A little more than a month into the swimming and diving season, the No. 2 Gators men’s team (3-0) and No. 5 women’s team (1-2) will continue their tour of ranked opponents when they face the Crimson Tide tonight.
The diving teams start at 6 p.m., and swimming competitions begin at 7 p.m. in the O’Connell Center.
Alabama’s men (1-1) are currently ranked No. 15, and the women (2-0) are No. 21, according to the latest College Swimming Coaches Association poll
It will be the fourth ranked opponent for the men in as many dual meets, but Alabama is also the lowest ranked team they will have seen. The women have been dealt losses by No. 1 California and No. 2 Georgia — despite winning nine of the 16 events against the Bulldogs — the past two meets after taking down their only unranked foe, Missouri, on Oct. 17.
Historically, Florida has held the advantage over Alabama. The series record on the men’s side is 26-11, and the women — looking to change their fortunes after back-to-back losses — have dominated Alabama 24-2.
But Florida coach Gregg Troy isn’t looking at today’s meet as an easy win.
“This week we have a good Alabama team. They are much improved from last year,” he said. “It should give us a good opportunity to get some racing in and evaluate some people in some different events.”
Troy called the Thursday meet unique, noting the advantage of not having to travel and getting a solid Wednesday practice in.
The women's diving squad will look to continue their solid point production. They’ll be sporting the Southeastern Conference Diver of the Week sophomore Kahlia Warner, who earned the honor for the first time in her career.
Mitch D’Arrigo has been an impact freshman in the distance freestyle events, ranking in top five in the nation in the 500-and 1,000-yard free and being named this week’s SEC Freshman Swimmer of the Week for the second time this season.
Follow Logan McGuire on Twitter @loganjmcguire.
Florida swimmers line up to begin the men’s open 400-meter individual medley during the Pinch A Penny All Florida Invitational on Sept. 28 in the O’Connell Center.
