18A - The Michigan Daily - Thursday, November 4, 1999 Youth bears weight for 'M' swimmers Big Ten, e big games for Blue By BriarsGalvin Daily Sports Writer Michigan has always been known as a place where young athletes can star early. This year, even with a senior Olympian and a pair of junior All-Americans, the Michigan women's swimming team is relying on its freshmen in a big way. With 17 freshmen on the team, it is no surprise that Michigan coach Jim Richardson is blunt when saying "We're young." Youth has its advantages for the Wolverines, who have already seen three freshmen win individual events in Michigan's two recent dual meets against Florida and Michigan State. The best part of all: two of those wins came in the dis- tance events, which Richardson has target- ed as an area of improvement. Jenay Karlson won the 500-yard freestyle against Michigan State. And in the 1,000-yard free, Julie Kern led a Michigan freshman sweep, with Karlson second and Lindsay Johnson third. Distance isn't the only discipline in which the Class of2003 has made its pres- ence felt. Traci Valasco won the 200-yard breaststroke against both Michigan State and Florida and has shown sprint ability in the 100-yard breaststroke, as well. Richardson is also looking to freshmen Brooke Smith and Lisheth Gohel to devel- op in the 200-yard butterfly, an event the Wolverines must shore up, in order so compete with the national powers. At this point in the season, the freshmen may be more about potential than results. With a more strenuous practice schedule than most of them are used to, the young Wolverines are pulling tired bodies through the water in every race. Add in the typical stresses ofany college freshman, and it is difficult to expect peak performances from them just yet. "I'm tired and sore," said freshman sprinter Laura Kaznecki after the Florida meet. "This is totally different training than I'm used to." The Wolverines go through nine intense workouts a week, includisg three pmetices from 6-8 AM. Weight training is also a large part of the program, as are voluntary cross-training workouts on the stationary bike and the track. The physical punishment is brutal, but the results seem to be worth the effort. As the seniors can attest, hard work does pay off down the road, meaning that Michigan has a lot to look forward to fromthis class. "We're a strong group, as far as depth and a couple of stars." freshman backstro- ker Lindsay Maas said. "We'll be good for a long time." Along with surpassing expectations in the pool, the freshmen are impressing with their sense of team unity on dr land. "A lot of people are surprised at how well we get along," said Karlson. "This freshman class is amazing." Unlike the Fab Five before them, the 'Sensational Seventeen' don't want to be separated from the rest of the team. While the future looks promising, these freshmen understand the benefits of learning from All-Americans like Shannon Shakespeare, Jennifer Crisman. anid Miy Sugar. "We've bonded together, we're a real strong team;' Maas said. Former NCAA basketball coach Al McGuire is famous for saying that the best thing about freshment is that they eventual- ly become sophomores. The best thing about these freshmen, however, may not be their future, but the things they can do in the present. With a strong group of fresh- men supplying depth,. Michigan's chances for the Big Ten and cvcn a national cham- pionship are beginniog to look good Inthe meantime, rival teams can look forward to astounding performances with a healthy dose of modesty. "If I'm good enough to swim for Michigan, I'm doing pretty well" Karlson said. soccer 0 SAM HOLLENSHEAD/Daly Shannon Poole, Jen Stahl and the Wolverines will face swarming competition this weekend in the always-tough Big Ten soccer tournament. The Wolverines are looking for their second title in three years. It's Big' time for women's soccer JOHN GUESS AGENCY INSURANCE FOR EDUCATIONAL EMPLOYEES Many Uof employees have saved on insurance costs ,} ; ' By David Mosse Daily Sports Writer The second season has arrived for the Michigan soccer team. After concluding an impressive regular season with a 13-5- - record, the Wolverines travel to Bloomington for the Big Ten tournament with high hopes. Michigan steamrolled through the rugged Big Ten season with relative ease. But a shocking late-season loss to Wisconsin cost the Wolverines a share of the conference crown. Michigan is determined to make amends for that colossal disappointment, by capturing its second tournament championship. "We have to put the end of the season behind us,' Abby Crumpton said. "This is our chance to prove that was a fluke." The Wolverines have been at this point with high expectations before, and failed to deliver. Last year Michigan was bounced out of the tournament in the sec- ond round by Penn State. But there is a growing feeling around the team that this could be the year. Michigan possesses a high-octane offense featuring Crumpton, the Big Ten freshman of the year. Crumpton led the Wolverines with nine goals during the season. Partnerng with her up front is the Wolverines' all-time leasing scorer, Amber Berendowskv Berendowsky strugeled for much of the regular season with an ankle inurv, but following some strong performances down the stretch, she looks to have recap- tured her best form. With midfielders Mari Hoff and Kaci Beitel also contributing scoring punch, Michigan has strength in numbers and will be a handful for any defense. On the other end the Wolverines are safe between the posts with senior Carissa Stewart, now Michigan's all-time leader in victories. Stewart even went 200 consecutive minutes without surrender- ing a goal in conference play. If the Wolverines' talented forwards are stifled, Stewart can be counted on to hold down the fort. The Wolverines, the No. 2 seed, face an emotional opener against Michigan State. Michigan ham- mered the Spartans 3-0 in a late season tussle at home. On paper, the Spartans figure to be no match for the high powered Wolverines, but rivalry games bring out the best in both teams. "This is the best team they've had since I've been here,' Emily Schmitt said. "They are a tough team to beat." If the Wolverines survive the state bat- tle they will tackle the winner of Illinois vs. Iowa. Both are strong foes but teams Michigan would be favored to beat. Waiting in the wings if the Wolverines do reach the final, should be their arch nemesis and top seed Penn State. Weeks ago in Happy Valley, Michigan and Penn State staged a titanic battle which ended in a scoreless draw. Penn State benefited from Michigan's late sea- son stumble to capture their second con- secutive regular season crown. "They are the team to beat," Kacy Beitel said. "We know we will probably have to go through Penn State to win the tournament." If the Lions and Wolverines can avoid the upset bug, they would meet in a high- ly anticipated contest, and a benchmark game for the Michigan program. Now in' their sixth season, the Wolverines are about due to add a Big ten title to their trophy case. TOURNAMENT Continued from Page 13 in the tournament if sophomore Emily Brown gets going. One of the Big Ten: most prolific scorers, Brown had 17 goils miii the sin- son, including a diving tolley agittst the Wolverines. "They dropped off toswards the end o. the season," Belkin said. "lBut they have great team speed and dangerous gotI scorers. No.5 OHIo STArr (54-1,9-7-4): Thye Buckeyes have an experienced 1eider in senior Katy Traeger; who was named BigTen Player of the Week after talyig a has trick against West Virginiti. Freshman Lyndsey Eckle's 20 points arc the most on the team. "They're having a good year with a l of new players, they play organized and disciplined," Belkin said. No. 4 MNNESorU (6-4, 11-7): Tise past iwo years, the (Gophers hive beesi knocked out of she conference toumsa- mess in she first round. This season, they have a lot of experi- ence on offense, with senior Nicole Le leading the team in scoring and junirt Laurie Seidl leading the team in assists "They've been towards the top of t. Big Ten for the last few years," Belkin said. "Their three forward attack is dan- gerous. No. 3 IowA (7-3, 13-6): The Hawkeyes are playing in their first Big Ten tournament ever. Freshman Sarah Lynch leads the team in scoring and she's netted seven game winning goals. Sophomore goalie Missy Wickart was honored as Big Ten Player of the Week earlier this year. V "They rely on their great freshmen," Belkin said. "They play a very aggres- sive, physical style.! No. I PENN STATE (9-0-1, 16-2-1): The Nittany Lions have been atop the Big Ten all year, and are currently ranked fifth. An early season win over perennial power North Carolina was one of the biggest wins in program history. This team has hopes of a national title. * "They have great size and great gosh- keeping!' Belkin said. "They use their team speed as a big weapon." Fosdick e] .29.2707 .29.1032 [fax] N Interested in sales or marketing? We're talking big ti e experience The Michigan Daily will give you the opportunity to gain the valuable business experience in display advertising. As an account executive, you will sell advertising locally and nationally, manage your own account territory, create ad copy and layout, and earn commission- based pay. Extended application deadline: Friday, November 5 01 f fchg nBadl The StdentsPublica ti nBuilding 420 Maynard' Street, 2nd Floor or call. (734) 764-0662 for more info I i