5 Top Storylines for Southeastern Conference This Weekend

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Photo Courtesy: Taylor Brien

The Florida Gators will swim on Jan. 2, kicking off 2016 SEC action. Florida is the No. 4 men’s team in the nation and No. 14 on the women’s side. The Gators will swim against Florida State – the No. 23 men’s team in the country. The Seminoles are not ranked in the most recent women’s poll.

Top Five Storylines:

What events will Caeleb Dressel swim? The sophomore has been dominant for the Gators this season in multiple events. Any race he swims will be a must-watch. Dressel owns the fastest 50-yard freestyle time in the nation (18.77) and is ranked second in the 100-yard freestyle, 100-yard breaststroke and 100-yard butterfly.

How will the swimmers do coming off winter break? Most teams do not swim in meets this soon after the holidays. It will be interested to see how the swimmers react to racing after a long break.

Will any swimmers for Florida State make a statement at the meet? Jason McCormick has posted some quick times this season, including a 19.55 in the 50-yard freestyle, and could have a strong meet. Jason Coombs is also a strong swimmer for the Seminoles. Coombs is currently ranked sixth nationally in the 100-yard breaststroke.

What Florida women will step up? The Gators are led by Natalie Hinds, who holds the third fastest 100-yard freestyle time in college swimming with a 47.75. Hinds is also ranked fifth in the 200-yard freestyle and tenth in the 50-yard freestyle.

How will the Florida men’s relays do? The Gators have some of the strongest relays in the nation, including college swimming’s fastest 400-yard freestyle relay. Dressel is an instrumental part of all Florida’s relays.

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