Men's NCAAs 2009

SLOmmafan, "I think American swimming (particularly Men's) is in pretty good shape"... "the American men had by far the most depth." Perhaps a closer look at the 2008 Olympics is necessary. Take away ONE man from the US Team, and they only win 2 events. That.......... is not the definition of "depth".

Texas wins the meet if Spann had not gotten sick People may disagree and thats fine....but I will never accept that having foreign athletes in any sport not living in the US, not at the college training with the team and taking on-line courses to get eligible in time to show up for NCAA's allowed. It's not illegal but I think its wrong.

Well, in those two events the U.S. did go 1-2. Also, in the relays--with the exception of the 400 free relay--I think it's a stretch to say the US wouldn't have won without Phelps. Fact: a huge amount of momentum is lost without that one man at the games. How about a 21 year old sophomore? Sounds like a good way to score a few extra points in *** stroke and medley relays at NCAAs.

Texas wins the meet if Spann had not gotten sick People may disagree and thats fine....but I will never accept that having foreign athletes in any sport not living in the US, not at the college training with the team and taking on-line courses to get eligible in time to show up for NCAA's allowed. It's not illegal but I think its wrong. It would have been really close with Spann, but Texas might have won by a few points. Injuries and sicknesses are part of the deal and a little more depth outside the freestyle events would have gone a long way. I have no idea whether swimmers not training with the team and the use of online courses actually occurred, but I wouldn't be too proud of a win if that is how it was achieved. Maybe there should be some rules. Does this occur in other NCAA sports (track)? Feigen was incredible and it was great to see Blake Worsley from Steamboat Springs and the University of Denver in the 200/500 Free. Tim

It's not illegal but I think its wrong. This coming from a man who thinks eating SPAM, wearing wife-beaters, dressing a dog in a bikini, and liking Tears for Fears is right. The source must be considered.

I missed The televised showing today!!! Does anyone know if it will be on tv again, or where I can find videos on the web. You can go here and view footage of just about every race from the women's and men's NCAAs.

This coming from a man who thinks eating SPAM, wearing wife-beaters, dressing a dog in a bikini, and liking Tears for Fears is right. The source must be considered. Just couldn't stay away could you...getting easier all the time to draw you in!

The current issue of the ASCA editorial by John Leonard just happens to be about saving college swimming. Below is the email I sent him today; "John, I enjoyed your article’ “Preserve, Protect and Expand Collegiate Swimming” …however I found it interesting that no mention of foreign swimmers on college teams was mentioned. If there truly is an organization being formed by the ASCA, CSCAA & USA Swimming to work on this effort can they truly avoid a discussion about the impact of allowing the limited (and declining) resources and opportunities to swim at the college level to be spent on training other countries athletes? Please don’t get me wrong, I’m all for having colleges recruit and train foreign athletes…to a point…I enjoyed the friendships and increased caliber of training/competition of that at while I was at UCSB. My point however is that if you and others believe that “The prospect of swimming in college is a major draw to keep high school swimmers in our sport and progressing” than what message are we sending these kids when they are on the bubble of being good enough to get a scholarship but see instead that it goes to a foreign athlete? Honestly I’m surprised no one has proposed a cap of “X” percentage of foreign swimmers/scholarships per team…or is it really win at any cost? Finally I’m also wondering what the thoughts of those who just watched the NCAA’s on TV/the Internet recently were seeing/hearing chants of “USA, USA” after the awards ceremony for the 400 free relay where Texas breaks the AR and takes 2nd? Best regards, Paul Smith"

I agree! Just like 21 year old sophomore Bryan Collins helped out Texas in the IM events. Quite a difference in points scored by the two men wouldn't you agree? It's sad but not surprising that so many coaches turn to so much talent outside the US to score more points. Perhaps I would do the same thing if I were a college coach and thought I couldn't recruit effectively in the US against other teams and wanted to insure job security.

6 foreigners..... 6 lost scholarships (or fractions) for US swimmers..... Well.... I'm sure they will publicly thank their schools and coaches when they compete for their home countries at international competitions. Talk about throwing money down a drain. What a joke. But to answer your question more directly. I'd much rather take the easy way out and have the top talented foreigner than have to demonstrate real coaching ability. Face it...... it's instant points year after year.