Swimwomen set to renew an old rivalry

When Lions and Tigers meet, it gets fierce.

The Penn State women's swim team will face Princeton tomorrow in New Jersey. In the past, the two schools had competed against each other on a yearly basis, but have not met since Penn State joined the Big Ten in 1991.

Penn State coach Bob Krimmel described this rivalry as one of his team's oldest. The Lady Tigers (6-0, 4-0 Eastern Women's Swimming League) look to be easily the strongest non-conference team for the Lady Lions (6-4, 1-4 Big Ten) this season.

"Princeton is an outstanding team," Krimmel said. "Without a doubt Princeton is the most talented team in the Ivy League."

Krimmel also said the Tigers have a great medley relay team that would be favored to win that event.

The Tigers' diving program is also one of the best in the East, Krimmel said.

Penn State's diving corps is hurting a little but should be improved from last week. In addition to Amy Wade, the two divers who competed while injured against Minnesota should be ready to go against Princeton.

Freshman diver Shannon Malinowski said she would definitely dive in the 1-meter competition but is unsure how far she can go beyond that. She is nursing a bad shoulder.

"I am feeling pretty good right now," she said. "Hopefully I'll be competing in the 3-meter as well."

The third diving member is sophomore Melanie Jackson. She said she will be able to dive in both events. Jackson was bothered by leg problems earlier in the season.

"It has been a rocky road," she said, "but I have a positive attitude."

Jackson said she competed against this squad of divers at last season's NCAA pre-qualifications round at Princeton and they are "all extremely talented."

Penn State has only one more meet after tomorrow's competition against Princeton, a home meet against Iowa Feb. 7. Krimmel said the timing of the Princeton meet is good because the team needs a strong test before going into the Big Ten Championships.

"Princeton is the same caliber as Minnesota," he said. "It will be a good competition.