Friday, January 26
South Bend, IN
9 AM / 4 PM
Wisconsin Badgers
at
Notre Dame Shamrock Invitational
Photo by: David Stluka
Five Things to Know: Badgers set for regular-season finale
January 25, 2018 | Men's Swimming & Diving, Women's Swimming & Diving
Shamrock Invitational another test as championship season approaches
MADISON, Wis. – The members of the Wisconsin swimming and diving team are back on campus and ready to roll. They are set for a trip to South Bend, Indiana, to participate in the annual Notre Dame Shamrock Invitational on Friday and Saturday. Here are five things to know as the Badgers prepare for their last competition before next month's Big Ten championships.
BACK IN THE SWING OF THINGS
After three weeks away from campus and a month since the end of first-semester classes, the Badgers are getting back into their routine. Wisconsin head coach Whitney Hite has a different schedule planned for his team, however, now that the Big Ten and NCAA championships are within sight.
"Things are different," Hite said. "We are trying to fine-tune some things and to really sharpen the blade. Fortunately, we have plenty of time, but it is nice to be back in school, even if it leads to some earlier mornings."
The Badgers delivered an excellent performance last week at USC, and will look to carry that momentum into the weekend in South Bend.
"We swam really, really well against USC," Hite said. "Knowing how hard the team trains on that trip, we always seem to do well in that meet. It's a great springboard for us into the championship season."
ANOTHER MEET, ANOTHER RANKED OPPONENET
In typical fashion, the Badgers will be up against steep competition come Friday. The Shamrock Invitational is headlined by its host, Notre Dame, whose men's and women's teams are both ranked 22nd. Also in the field are Ohio State's 11th-ranked women and 16th-ranked men, along with squads from Iowa, Missouri State (men only) and Akron (women only).
"All the teams we are up against are very well coached, all really good teams. It will be interesting to see where they are and where we are," Hite said. "We're really just looking to do some racing. Fine-tune a couple of things, but just really enjoy the process of competing."
FINAL CHECK-UP
With the regular season nearing its end, the Shamrock Invitational serves as the last opportunity for Hite and his staff to see what his team looks like before the Big Ten championships.
"Our team has done the work. They've worked extremely hard all season, now they just need to enjoy the moment," he said. "If we just keep doing what we've been doing, we will be happy at the end of the season. Good things are waiting for this team."
SENIORS FINISHING STRONG
UW's senior class is hoping to go out with a bang in its final season, and the Badgers' seniors are off to a great start.
Last week's tilt with the Trojans featured standout performances from Victor Goiecochea on the men's side and Abby Jagdfeld and Marissa Berg in women's competition. Each of the seniors earned multiple race wins for the Badgers.
"All of our seniors have had really good years," Hite said. "You look back at their four years, and the time really has flown by.
"They really have matured over that period of time, and they're mature enough to get over that feeling of, 'Oh my gosh, this is my last time doing this.' They are laser focused."
UNDER THE RADAR
Despite remaining competitive throughout a grueling regular season, only the Badgers' 19th-ranked women's team is earning national acclaim, with the men's team currently unranked in the latest CSCAA coaches' poll.
In-season rankings are not much of a concern, Hite says — winning when it counts is what really matters to the UW program.
"I think our men's team is a little bit better than people in the swimming world think. I don't think it's a huge chip on their shoulder, but it might serve as some motivation," Hite said. "Our women's team is very focused — and they're really a good team. They don't need any more motivation.
"It will be fun to surprise some people."
BACK IN THE SWING OF THINGS
After three weeks away from campus and a month since the end of first-semester classes, the Badgers are getting back into their routine. Wisconsin head coach Whitney Hite has a different schedule planned for his team, however, now that the Big Ten and NCAA championships are within sight.
"Things are different," Hite said. "We are trying to fine-tune some things and to really sharpen the blade. Fortunately, we have plenty of time, but it is nice to be back in school, even if it leads to some earlier mornings."
The Badgers delivered an excellent performance last week at USC, and will look to carry that momentum into the weekend in South Bend.
"We swam really, really well against USC," Hite said. "Knowing how hard the team trains on that trip, we always seem to do well in that meet. It's a great springboard for us into the championship season."
ANOTHER MEET, ANOTHER RANKED OPPONENET
In typical fashion, the Badgers will be up against steep competition come Friday. The Shamrock Invitational is headlined by its host, Notre Dame, whose men's and women's teams are both ranked 22nd. Also in the field are Ohio State's 11th-ranked women and 16th-ranked men, along with squads from Iowa, Missouri State (men only) and Akron (women only).
"All the teams we are up against are very well coached, all really good teams. It will be interesting to see where they are and where we are," Hite said. "We're really just looking to do some racing. Fine-tune a couple of things, but just really enjoy the process of competing."
FINAL CHECK-UP
With the regular season nearing its end, the Shamrock Invitational serves as the last opportunity for Hite and his staff to see what his team looks like before the Big Ten championships.
"Our team has done the work. They've worked extremely hard all season, now they just need to enjoy the moment," he said. "If we just keep doing what we've been doing, we will be happy at the end of the season. Good things are waiting for this team."
SENIORS FINISHING STRONG
UW's senior class is hoping to go out with a bang in its final season, and the Badgers' seniors are off to a great start.
Last week's tilt with the Trojans featured standout performances from Victor Goiecochea on the men's side and Abby Jagdfeld and Marissa Berg in women's competition. Each of the seniors earned multiple race wins for the Badgers.
"All of our seniors have had really good years," Hite said. "You look back at their four years, and the time really has flown by.
"They really have matured over that period of time, and they're mature enough to get over that feeling of, 'Oh my gosh, this is my last time doing this.' They are laser focused."
UNDER THE RADAR
Despite remaining competitive throughout a grueling regular season, only the Badgers' 19th-ranked women's team is earning national acclaim, with the men's team currently unranked in the latest CSCAA coaches' poll.
In-season rankings are not much of a concern, Hite says — winning when it counts is what really matters to the UW program.
"I think our men's team is a little bit better than people in the swimming world think. I don't think it's a huge chip on their shoulder, but it might serve as some motivation," Hite said. "Our women's team is very focused — and they're really a good team. They don't need any more motivation.
"It will be fun to surprise some people."
Players Mentioned
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/ Women's Swimming & Diving
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