For the past four years, either the men's or women's UF swimming and diving teams' meets against Auburn have come down to the final relays.
UF coach Gregg Troy used that fact as an example for how heated the two schools' rivalry is.
"It makes it pretty intense," Troy said.
The No. 6 UF men (6-1, 3-0 Southeastern Conference) and No. 6 women (6-2, 2-1 SEC) will renew their rivalry with Auburn when they face the No. 7 Tigers men and No. 5 women Saturday at the James E. Martin Aquatic Center in Auburn.
Last year, the women secured a victory over Auburn with a score of 165-135, while the men fell by the same margin.
Troy expects the competition to be intense because it has always been between the two teams.
"Both teams are real good nationally, and a lot of athletes are recruited by both," Troy said Tuesday.
The SEC Championship is less than a month away, and Saturday will be another chance for the whole team to prepare.
"While the actual outcome of the meet is important, a little more important is the psyche you take away from it and the preparation you have getting ready for the conference meet," Troy said.
Troy added that Saturday's meet will benefit the Gators regardless of the outcome because it pits UF against a difficult opponent.
"By racing a better school and some good athletes, you get a better feel for where you're at." Troy said.
All of UF's swimmers will be in Auburn this week after separating for last weekend's meets at home and away.
Last week at home, UF faced in-state-rival Florida Atlantic - a team that has never defeated the Gators - but Saturday's opponent has a history of bringing the Gators down. It will take an arduous team effort for UF to take down its highly ranked competition.
"We have always been big rivals," senior Bradley Ally said. "The team knows that, and hopefully we will stick together to come out on top."
Ally won a NCAA automatic-qualifying mark in 400-yard individual medley in Dallas last week.
Ally said his performance in The Lone Star State served as a confidence-booster heading in to the Auburn meet and the SEC Championship next month.
