Swimmers upset No. 11 Tennessee, fall to unranked OSU

This was an emotionally driven weekend for the No. 13-ranked IU men's swimming and diving team.\nIn Friday's meet, the Hoosiers took on No. 11-ranked Tennessee at the Counsilman-Billingsley Aquatic Center, knowing that the day after they would have to travel to Columbus, Ohio for a Big Ten match up with Ohio State. They entered the meet against the Volunteers with much needed confidence, but failed to keep their momentum going, as they were upset by OSU the next day.\nThe Hoosiers were determined to gain a victory in the last non-conference dual meet -- they did just that against Tennessee. Two IU swimmers won three event titles each for the Hoosiers, helping propel the team to their third victory against a ranked squad this season. \nThe 149.5-89.5 victory against the Volunteers gave IU Head Coach Ray Looze's team more poise and self-assurance heading into four straight Big Ten meets.\n"It was a very strong step into being an elite team," Looze said. "We would much rather race a team that's higher ranked than us any day."\nTennessee becomes the third-ranked team victimized by the Hoosiers this season. The Texas A&M Aggies were ranked 19th and the Northwestern Wildcats were ranked 15th the country when IU handed them a loss.\nThe Hoosiers have gained a great amount of success from their freshman and sophomores this season. Freshman Todd Patrick has been one of those successful underclassmen; his three convincing event titles against Tennessee were in the 200-yard backstroke, 200-yard individual medley and the 400-yard freestyle relay. Freshman Ben Hesen, sophomore Colin Russell and sophomore Lee Houchin were among the other underclassmen with event titles against the Volunteers. But much of the success by this young talent must be attributed to the experienced swimmers.\n"The older swimmers showed them the value system," Looze said. "They support one another and show them how to do things right. We want to be a classy team."\nJunior Kevin Swander has been one of those experienced swimmers this season. \n"We swam in big meets while they haven't been there yet," said Swander. "You're the one setting the example."\nHis big meet experience is apparent with his success last Friday against Tennessee. He took event titles in the 200-yard medley relay and 200-yard breaststroke.\n"It's exciting to beat the team that's ahead of you (in the rankings)," said Swander.\nAfter celebrating Friday's win with momentary exuberance, the Hoosiers quickly turned their attention to conference rival, Ohio State in Columbus, Ohio. Unfortunately, Saturday's meet had very few similarities to Friday's win. In a disappointing 129-114 loss to the unranked Buckeyes, the Hoosiers did a 180-degree turn. They suffered their first Big Ten loss of the season, becoming 2-1, while dropping their record to 8-3 overall.\n"We took Ohio State too lightly," said Looze "I'm still reminded constantly of how young our team is." \nTheir next meet is against Michigan State, Jan. 22 in East Lansing.\n-- Contact Staff Writer Evan Harris at evharris@indiana.edu.