The following is a press release courtesy of Georgia Swimming:
Jan. 9, 2015
ATHENS, Ga — Georgia’s swimming and diving teams entertain Texas on Saturday at 11 a.m. with an abundance of storylines.
“This is going to be fun to watch,” Georgia coach Jack Bauerle said. “There will be high-level swimming with some incredible racing and there will be quality diving. The two teams match up extremely well with each other. I expect both meets to go down to the last events. People all over the country are going to be watching.”
- The men’s meet features the Nos. 1 (Texas) and 3 (Georgia) teams, while the women’s meet will have Nos. 2 (Georgia) and 6 (Texas) squaring off.
- The Lady Bulldogs (8-0) have won 92 straight dual/tri meets at Gabrielsen Natatorium in a streak that dates back to 1995. They are 93-1 all-time at home.
- Bauerle, who was reinstated following a December ruling by the NCAA Committee on Infractions, will be coaching his first meet since Nov. 24, 2013 — a span of 412 days.
“Focus is critical for a day like this,” Bauerle said. “There are a lot of things going on with this one, but the bottom line is our kids need to take care of their jobs. If we do what we’re supposed to do, we can walk away satisfied. Opponents like Texas help bring out the best in you, so we’re excited about seeing how it all shakes out.”
The men’s meet looks especially close on paper. In the events that will be held on Saturday, Texas (4-1) holds 22 of the country’s top-10 times and Georgia (6-1) boasts 16. The Bulldogs’ Chase Kalisz has the fastest time nationally in the 400 individual medley and the 400 freestyle relay of Matias Koski, Nicolas Fink, Gunnar Bentz and Michael Trice is No. 1. On the women’s side, the Lady Bulldogs have 24 and Texas has six of the top-10 times. Amber McDermott ranks first in the 1,000 freestyle for the Lady Bulldogs.
The Texas women (6-1) are coached by Carol Capitani, who spent 16 years on the Georgia staff before moving to Austin. Bauerle and Texas men’s coach Eddie Reese were the United States Olympics coaches in 2008.
Gabrielsen Natatorium is located inside the Ramsey Center. Admission to Saturday’s meet is free.
“This is a big deal for both programs,” Bauerle said. “This one is important.”