Back from his World Championships tour, Tom Shields is ready to lead the No. 4 Bears in a marquee matchup against No. 1 Arizona.
This dual meet will be a nationally televised showdown between two NCAA favorites. On Friday, Jan. 25, the two teams will face off at Hillenbrand Aquatic Center at 2 p.m. Cal will look forward to avenging last year’s loss to the Wildcats, who represent its toughest opponent this season.
Physically, the Bears have continued their regular training routines. Mentally, they will be willing their fatigued bodies to the finish line. This meet will likely have huge implications for the rankings.
Not wanting to miss this premier matchup, Shields returns from an excellent showing at the World Cup. He swam the third-fastest 200-yard butterfly in history, timing in at 1:40.30. A multi-event threat, he will be the key to victory for Cal. With a chance to win his third consecutive NCAA title, he is returning for his senior season to try to repeat his “Swimmer of Meet” performance at last year’s championships.
“It is nice to look up on the blocks and see him there,” coach David Durden said. “He is the type of athlete that you’re excited to see what he is going to do every time he steps up on the blocks.”
Arizona will look to match up with Shields with its own top-tier talent. The Wildcats had a great fall, which landed them on the first spot in the rankings. Star sophomore Kevin Cordes, who owns the nation’s top times in 100 (51.10) and 200 breast (1:50.73), will look to take advantage of Cal’s thin lineup in the breaststroke event.
This bout will be a rematch of last season’s battle in which Arizona defeated Cal 191-109 at Spieker Aquatics Complex. Against the Bears, Arizona will look to exploit its medley advantage in which it has the nation’s top times in the 200 medley (1:24.84) and 400 medley (3:05.69) relays.
“Arizona has been a historically fast starting program, which explains their top times in a lot of events this year,” coach Durden said. “They also have great depth because of their influx of younger guys.”
The Bears are looking forward to the challenge as they begin a tough stretch of the spring schedule, during which they will face four highly ranked collegiate swimming teams in the country. They are entering into the part of the season during which they are sharpening up their training and focusing on racing fast.
Having not raced for a long time, both powerhouses will look to set a tone for the spring with this meet. People will finally witness Shields’ long-awaited return to collegiate swimming. These two teams should provide an interesting and competitive meet for the country to see.
“This will be a good competition right off the gate,” Durden said.
“Guys are itching to race again after going through so much training. It’s time to shake off the racing rust and finally have some fun.”
Hunter He covers men’s swim. Contact him at [email protected]