Bobcats face Buckeyes in first match of season

by Pat McSweeny
For The Post

The first meet of the season is always a major event for a team. This weekend, the Ohio swimming and diving team faces not only their first meet but also a major opponent– Ohio State.

Coach Greg Werner said the team is looking forward to the meet against Ohio State.

"This is a great way to start the season, especially since the men's team hasn't beaten Ohio State in 30 years," Werner said. "This will be our first meet en route to the championships."

Ohio State's men's swimming and diving team lost only two seniors from a team that went 10-1 last year. And Ohio State's women's team is looking to improve on last year's 3-8 record with the addition of 11 freshmen.

Werner said Ohio State has a strong program with certain built-in advantages.

"Being in the Big Ten means quite a bit," he said. "They have better resources and a better support system. Last year they had some kids go to the NCAA finals."

Because this is the first meet of the season, the team will have a chance to see how well it prepared during the off-season. Ohio swimmer Desiree Martin said she believes the team's hard work will pay off.

"The coach told us that we are ahead of schedule in our practices," she said.

This year's incoming freshman class is eager to make a contribution in its first collegiate meet. Ohio swimmer Emily Frasco said she is optimistic about the new team members.

"We have a really strong group of freshman that should make a big contribution this weekend," she said.

While the freshmen are expected to figure into the outcome of the meet, the veteran team members bring the benefit of experience. Co-captain Jonathan Friend said he is excited about the way this year's team is coming together.

"We have a healthy combination of older veterans and younger swimmers," Friend said.

The Bobcats take on Ohio State at 5 p.m. tonight at the Aquatic Center.