USA Swimming Announce World University Games Rosters

At long last, USA Swimming has announced its rosters for this summer’s World University Games (or Universiade to the most of the world) in Shenzen, China. After the World Championships rosters, which are typically much more predictable, this roster is amongst the most anticipated by the swimming community in non-Olympic years. This event, which is effectively an Olympics for University students (the name Universiade is a combination of the words “University” and “olympiad), has taken place, in some form or fashion, since 1923; with both a summer and winter version. Unlike the Olympics, the University Games take place every 2 years, and the winter and summer versions occur in the same (odd numbered) years.

To be eligible for the WUG’s, an athlete must be between 17 and 28, and must not have been out of university (or it’s equivalent) for more than a year. In the US, these rosters are usually chosen from amongst athletes who have not qualified for the World Championships. Note that the rules, being not specific to America, do not mandate that an athlete still be competing for their University. As a result, you will notice swimmers like Michigan’s Bobby Savulich, Florida’s Rex Tullius, and Texas’ Michael Klueh, who long ago completed their NCAA eligibility.

This is one of the few swimming events that the US hasn’t historically dominated: in 2009, they tied Japan for the most gold (10), but Japan had for more total medals (30 vs. 26) than the US.

Among the leaders for team USA at the Games will be Lyndsay DePaul, who is the leading returning member of the 2009 Games in Serbia. At those games, DePaul won two individual silvers, in the 200 fly and 400 IM. One of the two other returning medalists for the American squad will be Chelsea Nauta, who was a member of the gold-medal winning 800 free relay. Arizona alum Annie Chandler will be among the favorites in the women’s 100 breaststroke, after she just missed the World Championship roster, and Texas’ Karlee Bispo has been making big waves on the freestyle scene.

This year’s team, at first sight, seems to be much stronger, especially on the men’s team. Defending NCAA Champ in both the 100 and 200 fly, Tom Shields, will lead that roster. He will be joined by a quartet of Texas Longhorns: Jimmy Feigen, Dax Hill, Michael Klueh, and Austin Surhoff. Hill, who is quickly moving up the US ranks, will get his first international exposure at this meet, and I expect him to be one of the surprises for team USA. He has a lot of raw talent that the great Eddie Reese is molding into a fantastic freestyler. Klueh is still officially listed as a member of Longhorn Aquatics, though he is now on the West coast.

The men’s roster could get a huge boost from Josh Schneider. If he loses his upcoming swim-off with SwimMAC teammate Cullen Jones, he will then have the option to join the World University Games roster. If he does make the World Championship team, or declines a bid to the WUG’s, Cal’s Josh Daniels and Texas’ Feigen appear to be the next in line to take his spot in the 50 free.

Also of note is Frank Busch’s current and former swimmers at the University of Arizona and Tucson Ford Aquatics. Only Stanford (who has an astonishing 10 members on the roster), and Georgia with 6 have more swimmers on the team. The Cardinal from Palo Alto have an amazing 7 out of the 24 members of the women’s squad.

The Games will take place from August 11-August 23. For more information about the games, check out their official website.

2011 World University Games Team

Women

Men*

Head Men’s Coach: Rich DeSelm
Head Women’s Coach: Eric Hansen