Pac-12 Weekly Preview: Cal-Stanford Showdown Closes Regular Season

Cal's Andrew Seliskar. Photo Courtesy: Andy Ringgold / Aringo Photos

By Dan D’Addona.

The college swimming regular season will come to an end this week on the West Coast.

There are two Pac-12 men’s meets remaining on the schedule. One is a tune-up. The other is a rivalry.

On Friday, USC faces Utah. The Trojans are ranked No. 15 and face the Utes, who have had some ups and downs this season. Both teams are looking to go into the Pac-12 Championship meet prepared, and this meet will serve as a tune-up for both teams.

On Saturday, Cal faces Stanford. The Golden Bears are ranked No. 2, while the Cardinal check in at No. 11. This is more than a tune-up. This is one of the greatest rivalries in swimming.

Cal is led by Olympic gold medalist Ryan Murphy, the Pac-12 Swimmer of the Month for December.

But it is a sophomore who has been making the most waves recently. Andrew Seliskar was named the Pac-12 Swimmer of the Month for January, and is looking to build on that momentum heading into the postseason.

The sophomore from McLean, Va., helped lead the Bears to victories over Arizona and Arizona State as Cal won its first two dual meets of 2017.

With rain and wind playing a factor during both legs of Cal’s trip to the desert, Seliskar didn’t let conditions stand in the way of winning races. Against the Wildcats, he got the day started with a win in the 200-yard butterfly and finished with the top time in the 200 individual medley.

The reigning Pac-12 Freshman/Newcomer of the Year was back at it the next day against the Sun Devils, winning the 200 butterfly and 200 breaststroke before closing out the road trip by recording the top time in the 400 IM. Seliskar already owns NCAA ‘A’ qualifying times in the 200 butterfly and 400 IM as well as the 400 and 800 free relays.

Stanford, meanwhile, is led by True Sweetser, Jimmy Yoder and Liam Egan. The Cardinal have plenty of depth, especially in the freestyle events.

This meet is the last hurrah for a men’s regular season that seen some impressive swims. Expect the season to go out with a bang.

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Hany Weka

7 years ago

?‘☺,,?..‘))