Missouri faces stiff challenge in Big 12

The MU men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams will try to finish their season strongly in the Big 12 Championships, which run today through Saturday in College Station, Texas.

The men’s team (6-2) has won six of its past seven dual meets. With former national qualifier Chris McCrary and top breaststroke competitor Matt North leading the swimmers, and Evan Watters leading a strong group of divers, the men’s team has a chance to improve on its third-place finish a year ago.

But coach Brian Hoffer knows that won’t be easy. The Tigers will compete with perennial powerhouses Texas and Texas A&M. The Aggies beat the Tigers in a meet earlier this season.

But Hoffer said his team will not lack confidence.

“I wouldn’t expect us to beat a top-10 team in Texas, and Texas A&M has also come on strong,” Hoffer said.

“But our guys will race them and won’t be intimidated. They haven’t backed down from anyone all year, and I’m really excited to see how they’ll compete.”

Senior co-captain Jacob Thomas said the team’s drive and focus during the past couple of weeks will pay off.

“Usually our guys are messing around in practice, but lately we have been completely focused,” Thomas said. “Guys are focusing on the little things, like starts and turns, and making everything perfect. We are really looking forward to racing next to record-holders and Olympic medalists.”

On the other side, the women’s team will face a tougher road. The team went 7-2 this season, closing out its dual schedule by defeating previously unbeaten Nebraska.

But the Tigers have been routed by Texas A&M. The Aggies and Texas Longhorns are head-and-shoulders above the rest of the league. The Tigers have topped the other Big 12 teams.

Hoffer said the performance of the squad’s seniors will be key.

“If our seven women seniors do well, then the underclassmen will relax,” he said. “It will become a lot tougher if the seniors don’t perform, because then we have to have the underclassman step it up a lot, and that’s tough to ask.”

One of those seniors, Amanda Morford, is trying to close out her career like she started it. As a freshman, she finished third in the backstroke at the Big 12 Championships and qualified for nationals. She didn’t fare as well her sophomore or junior years and is anxious about the meet.

“It’s one more chance to prove yourself,” Morford said. “I mean, I’ve been here four years, and this could be my last chance. So right now, I’m probably just more nervous than anything.”

This competition will be the first time the women have competed since Feb. 5. The men haven’t competed since Jan. 29.

The layoff has allowed both teams to rest for the first time since the beginning of September, which Hoffer believes will be beneficial.

The meet starts tonight at 6 with the 200-yard medley relay and 800-yard freestyle relay. It will conclude with platform diving at 1:45 p.m. on Saturday.