Get ready for some intense swimming strategy! The new NCAA schedule is creating quite a stir among men's swimmers, and we're about to dive into the exciting world of event conflicts.
Yesterday, we explored the impact on women's swimmers, and today, we're focusing on the men's side of the pool. Some big names are facing tough decisions, including Hubert Kos and Luca Urlando, who are both NCAA champions.
The Big Conflict: 200 IM vs. 200 Fly/Back
The most significant challenge arises from the 200 IM and 200 fly/back events being scheduled for the final day of the meet. Swimmers like Kos and Urlando must make a tough choice, deciding which event to prioritize and which to let go.
But here's where it gets controversial... Kos, the reigning champion in both the 200 backstroke and 200 IM, might have to give up one of his titles. With both events on the last day, he'll likely opt for a day two event, such as the 100 fly or 200 free, especially since he's already planning to swim the 100 back on day three.
Urlando, entering his final season, won the 200 fly last year and also took the 'B' final in the 200 IM. He's likely to drop the 200 IM and focus on day three events like the 100 back or 200 breast.
And this is the part most people miss...
The new schedule also benefits some swimmers. Take Scotty Buff, for example. Last season, he swam the 100 fly and 100 back double on day three, but this year, those events are on different days. However, he now faces a new conflict with the 50 free and 100 back on day three. Will he attempt the double again, or will he choose a day four event like the 200 IM?
Other swimmers, like Michel Arkhangelskiy and Kyle Peck, also gain an advantage from the shift in event scheduling.
Here's a list of male athletes facing event conflicts with the new NCAA order:
Male Athletes with Event Conflicts:
- Danny Schmidt (Auburn) - 200 IM (18th) and 200 fly (33rd)
- Scotty Buff (Florida) - 50 free (23rd) and 100 back (32nd)
- Luca Urlando (Georgia) - 200 IM (9th) and 200 fly (1st)
- Miroslav Knedla (Indiana) - 200 IM (33rd) and 200 back (22nd)
- Owen McDonald (Indiana) - 200 IM (3rd) and 200 back (6th)
- Colin Geer (Michigan) - 200 IM (10th) and 200 fly (8th)
- Daniel Diehl (NC State) - 200 IM (28th) and 200 back (14th)
- Quintin McCarty (NC State) - 50 free (8th) and 100 back (13th)
- Mitchell Schott (Princeton) - 200 IM (17th) and 200 fly (28th)
- Hubert Kos (Texas) - 200 IM (1st) and 200 back (1st)
- Will Modglin (Texas) - 200 IM (DQ'd in 'A' final) and 200 back (8th)
- David King (Virginia) - 500 free (33rd) and 100 back (26th)
So, what do you think? Are these schedule changes fair? Will the swimmers' strategies pay off? Let's discuss in the comments and share our thoughts on this exciting swimming controversy!
