Texas Men Send Message with Pair of Wins

By John Lohn

AUSTIN, Texas, November 6. CALL it a major statement, an early message to the other top-flight men's programs in the nation. The University of Texas, with Eddie Reese at the helm, will be a primary player in the national-championship picture.

Opening their dual-meet schedule in impressive fashion, the Longhorns recorded a pair of quality triumphs while racing at home over the weekend. Aside from knocking off fourth-ranked California, 204-165, third-ranked Texas notched a 210-149 decision of 12th-rated Indiana. Really, it was the perfect way for the Longhorns to jumpstart the campaign.

"Probably the most important thing I saw this weekend was the ability to compete, and our guys did a super job of that," said Reese, the U.S. Olympic coach on the male side. "They couldn't have drawn it up any better this weekend."

Let's be honest, since the dual-meet season is only in its early stages, it would be ridiculous to distinguish any team in the country as a favorite to win an NCAA title in March. Yet, it's hardly off the wall to suggest that Texas will be among the leading contenders come spring. After all, Reese has a stacked roster with a quality combination of experience and youth. And, history dictates that Texas will be in the mix.

In dispatching the Golden Bears and Hoosiers, Texas watched Matt McGinnis (100/200) and Michael Klueh (500/1,650 ) dominate the freestyle events. Klueh also won the 400 I.M. Meanwhile, freshman Ricky Berens won the 100 and 200 butterfly disciplines, along with the 200 individual medley.

As the season progresses, expect the Longhorns to receive significant support from the likes of Garrett Weber-Gale in the free events, along with Tyler O'Halloran, Matt Lowe and David Walters. Certainly, Reese boasts a lineup with very few holes and one that is capable of not only scoring big-time points at the NCAA Champs, but also the nickel-and-dime points necessary to win the team crown.

To catch up on additional college action from the weekend, be sure to visit the College Channel by clicking on the tab above.

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