Big Ten Weekly Preview: Wisconsin, Minnesota Set For Rivalry Battle

Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

By Dan D’Addona.

The Big Ten Conference has opened its swimming & diving season, and while some teams have started with a tune-up meet, this week will be the first full week of competition throughout the conference.

The action will span nearly the entire week with meets Wednesday-Saturday in different parts of the country.

The biggest meet of the week is Wisconsin hosting rival Minnesota for a rivalry showdown on Friday. The meet begins at 3 p.n. CT.

Wisconsin opened its season by sweeping Green Bay on Sept. 28. It was the first meet and first victory for Yuri Suguiyama, who took over as head coach for the Badgers during the offseason.

Beata Nelson had a strong start to her season, winning the 50-yard freestyle in 22.99 seconds against Green Bay. It wasn’t just Nelson.

Freshman Lillie Hosack earned high praise from her coach and a first-place finish in the 100 backstroke, finishing the event with a time of 56.82.

“We’re really proud of the work she has put in,” Suguiyama said of the freshman.

In the men’s meet, junior Cameron Tysoe won the 200 back in 1:47.27.

Junior Kevin Pomeroy scored a win with a mark of 320.17 in the men’s 1-meter diving competition, earning an NCAA zone qualifying mark in the process. Brayden Schachle finished runner-up and also earned an NCAA zone nod with his score of 304.65.

Minnesota will be competing for the first time this season. It will mark the debut of freshman Max McHugh, a member of the junior national team.

On Wednesday, Indiana hosts a meet that will include Missouri, Kentucky and Notre Dame as opponents.

On Friday, Penn State will host George Washington and Illinois will hosts Michigan State and Illinois-Chicago in a tri meet.

On Friday and Saturday, Ohio State will host Texas A&M and Louisville in a battle of three teams from different power conferences.

On Saturday, Purdue will host the annual Indiana Intercollegiates.

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