Alone they tackle their liquid field, racing at record-breaking speeds as

they approach the wall ahead of their competitors. Their bodies are the

vehicles that drive them to success: no rackets, bats, balls or gloves.

Pure athleticism propels these athletes through the water, and pure dedication

and devotion quickens that journey.

Though they don’t frolic about tossing the pigskin, these men are some

of the finest athletes at the University of Tennessee, in the country and

the world. Producing 10 SEC Championships, numerous NCAA and World Champions,

and seven Olympic gold medalists, the UT men’s swimming and diving team

has become a tradition of pride and power. Though completely deserving,

they do not seek fame and fortune for their aquatic achievements.

“We do it cause it feels right,” said head coach John Trembley.

And they do it well, as evidenced in their 22-dual meet winning streak

and an overall record of 197-6 at home. They are currently 3-0 and ranked

6th in the nation as they continue to defend the tradition of dominance

they have helped to create.

Though their talent is evident in their secure hold of the top 10, the

swimmers have not produced a national champion squad since 1978. Striving

to shed even tenths of seconds from their already impressive times, these

men have their sights set on victory.

“The closer you get to No. 1, the harder it gets,” said Trembley,

whose squad finished 5th last season.

This precedent of excellence has been maintained by Trembley, who first

came to UT as an athlete in 1970. He has since served four years as assistant

coach for the Vols and is now entering his 10th year at the helm.

Setting three American records and winning nine NCAA Championships as

a swimmer for the Big Orange, Trembley understands his athletes drive for

success.

“It is that pure reason for pursuing excellence that keeps them

going,”

he said.

Navigating this year’s conquest are the team’s nine seniors, eight of

which have been with the program since their freshman year. Craig Gilliam,

one of the team’s captains, has helped lead the way with his nine All-America

honors, while Olympic Gold Medalist Jeremy Linn has returned in hopes to

swim to victory in his final year as a Vol.

Also looking to punctuate their campaign as Big Orange swimmers are three-time

All-American Shawn McNew, two-time All-American Casey Quilter, Tom Williams,

Rob Strauber, Sean Stringer, Steve Carter and Chris Olafson. For the past

few years, they have set the pace, and as they conclude their collegiate

careers, they will raise the bar in hopes to leave an even greater impression

on Tennessee swimming.

With a pivotal dual meet being held this Saturday, the men must raise

that bar quickly if they plan to leave No. 3 Texas in their wake. The seniors

remember competing against the Longhorns in their freshman year when they

traveled to Austin to beat them 133-110.

Finally, they will challenge one another again in a dual meet, appropriately

framing the seniors’ careers. The Longhorns will travel to UT in hope to

drown the Vols with their impressive history, 1996 NCAA title and high national

ranking. However, the Big Orange are prepared to defend their home and uphold

the proud tradition of Tennessee swimming.

While this meet is not a focal point of their season, there are many

motivations for victory.

“In terms of pride and spirit, this meet is very important,”

Quilter said.

The Vols have not lost a home meet since Jan. 16, 1988. Having that fact

fuel their already charged bodies, the swimmers must pull out all the stops

in order to defeat the Longhorns.

“Losing at home is not a reality for us. In fact losing at all is

not a reality,” said Quilter, who has experienced only one defeat in

his career — on the road in his freshman year.

While this meet is not the pinnacle of their season, it is certainly

a highlight and an emotional meet for the senior swimmers.

“Texas has a tremendous program,” Trembley said. “Saturday’s

meet will be good intense competition. It will embody what all sports should:

hard work, fair play, great spirit and mutual respect.”

This head-to-head battle of two national powerhouses will be an impressive

display of aquatic abilities. In what promises to be an exhilarating, edge

of your seat experience, Tennessee’s swimmers and divers will take to waters

of the Aquatic Center at 7 p.m. on Saturday. Armed only with pride, enthusiasm

and determination, these unsung heroes will fight on their liquid battlefield,

courageously defending the Tennessee tradition.

Copyright © 1997, The Daily Beacon. All rights reserved.