Alabama Swimming and Diving Teams Ranked 23rd
10/27/2005 12:00:00 AM | Swimming & Diving
Alabama's swimming and diving teams, both the men and women, start the season ranked 23rd in the coaches' poll.
The Crimson Tide men were 14th at last year's NCAA Championships, and return five All-Americans, including defending NCAA 200 breaststroke champion Vlad Polyakov. The women finished last season in 21st place and return four All-Americans. Florida heads up the women's poll while Auburn stands atop the initial men's poll.
"Obviously rankings don't mean a whole lot right now, but we'll certainly use it for motivation," head coach Eric McIlquham said. "We'll be out to prove we're better than 23rd against the Vols."
Alabama opens its season at home Friday, Nov. 4 at noon against conference rival Tennessee. The Vols are sitting at No. 11 in the rankings while the Lady Vols are No. 19. The meet will be at the Alabama Aquatic Center and admission is free.
