By Chris GentilvisoThe Daily Northwestern
The Wildcats begin their season against the defending Big Ten-champion No. 12 Indiana Hoosiers on a high note.
The College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) ranked the Cats at No. 8 in their opening poll, the highest ranking ever for NU in dual-meet competition.
“For the team, it’s a credit to what we’ve done the last couple of years to see how high we are,” NU coach Bob Groseth said. “We’re going to have to prove it in the water. We’re looking forward to improving in both the Big Ten and the NCAA’s this season.”
That ranking is largely due to the presence of two of the most accomplished swimmers in NU history: Matt Grevers and Mike Alexandrov. Grevers was named Big Ten Co-Swimmer of the Year last season, and holds school records for most All-America honors (21) and Big Ten individual titles (14).
Alexandrov stands not too far behind, with 20 All-America honors and eight Big Ten titles. They were both named to compete in the 2007 World University Games, which will take place in August. Grevers will represent the US while Alexandrov will swim for his native Bulgaria.
The seniors pace a squad that is coming off two straight top-10 finishes in the NCAA championships.
“We’ve got two guys that compete on an international level and are very accomplished swimmers,” Groseth said. “To go into races knowing that you have guys who can each win individual races gives the team major confidence. With younger guys, you don’t want them to have to have that kind of burden.”
Alexandrov said the team’s work for this upcoming season has risen above their efforts in previous years.
“Coach has been pushing every day of every month to get ready,” he said. “We’re scoring faster times in the practice pool. When you’re scoring faster in practice, you know that you’re set for meet play.”
Groseth said when Grevers and Alexandrov were freshmen the burden on them to perform was high.
But this season, three new freshmen join the squad with the opportunity to profit from senior teammates and avoid similar pressure.
