By Matthew Barnard, Swimming World College Intern
An exciting Big Ten Swimming and Diving season kicks off this weekend with a dual meet between Michigan State and Iowa in East Lansing. Although the 2017 Women’s NCAA Championships are still more than five months away, there is still plenty of action for swimming fans to follow in the nation’s oldest Division 1 conference until then.
Here are seven things too keep your eyes on during the road to Indianapolis:
1. Olympians
Photo Courtesy: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports
Every four years comes a new generation of Olympians, and 2016 is no different. Spectators will see a handful of Olympic ring tattoos scattered across pool deck this Big Ten season. US Olympic gold medalist Lilly King (Indiana) will headline this group but lesser known Olympians Siobhan Haughty (Michigan/Hong Kong) and Valerie Gruest Slowing (Northwestern/Guatemala) among others will play a huge role in not only point scoring come championship season but also leadership of their teams.
2. Rivalries
As one of the oldest conferences, the Big Ten is not without its fair share of rivalries. Minnesota will take on border state rival Wisconsin October 13 in Minneapolis. The Gophers will look to top Wisconsin after falling by a slim margin last year in Madison. The meet will be broadcasted live on BTN Plus. Purdue will host in-state opponent Indiana January 21. Ohio State will travel to Ann Arbor to take on the Wolverines Jan 27.
3. Breaststroke
The Big Ten has been a breeding ground for breaststroke talent in recent years, and this season is expected to live up to the hype. Fresh off successful Olympic campaigns, both Lilly King (Indiana) and Kierra Smith (Minnesota) will go head-to-head in both the 100 and 200. Minnesota freshman, Lindsey Horejsi, and Iowa senior, Emma Sougstag, will also look to place in both breaststroke events at the Big Ten Championships, and make a significant impact come March.
4. Diving
In 2016, Minnesota’s Yu Zhou was able to pull of the hat trick at Big Ten’s, sweeping all three diving events. In her senior season she will look to do the same, but with hurdles from Indiana’s Jessica Parratto, who will return from an Olympic redshirt year. In addition, incoming freshmen Lara Tarvit (Ohio State), Kristen Hayden (Michigan), Sarah Bacon (Minnesota) and Emily Meaney (Purdue), bring in international experience and the ability to score major team points. With a deep field, Big Ten diving may play a major role in determining the 2017 championship team.
5. Big Ten Title
The Big Ten title race is as tight as it gets. Last year’s champion, Michigan, broke Minnesota’s four-year winning streak and will look to repeat in 2017 but will face tough opposition. Indiana enters this seasons with a strong and experienced team having placed as runner up for the last five years. Bringing in one of the strongest freshman classes in the nation, Wisconsin could make a serious mark on the score board this year. The Golden Gophers will look for a resurgence this season with the return of Kierra Smith and a strong incoming group.
6. USA vs Big Ten All-Stars
A highlight of the season will be the US National Team versus Big Ten All-Stars meet to be held in Indianapolis November 12-13. All 14 Big Ten schools will be represented in the inaugural two-day meet, to face off against invited US National Team athletes. National Team members who are also currently competing for a Big Ten institution will represent the All-Star team.
7. Fresh Faces
Photo Courtesy: Maddy Olson
Wisconsin brings in the strongest additions to their team this season. In-state freshman, Beata Nelson, will make an immediate impact with her versatility on relays and in individual events. Wisconsin also welcomes transfers Abby Jagdfeld from Purdue and — fresh off an Olympic gold performance in Rio– Cierra Runge from California. However only time will tell which newcomers will make their mark on the Big Ten Conference this year.
All commentaries are the opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Swimming World Magazine nor its staff.
Interesting reading Matt, proves that you dive like a champ, write like a sports journalist, and handsome to boot!!!!!