The ASU swimming and diving teams will need some inspired performances this weekend if they plan on breaking twin losing streaks that predate the fall of Communist Russia.
While the ASU women's swimming and diving teams managed a victory against California during the 1996-97 season, both of Stanford's squads have prevailed against the Sun Devils in dual meet action since the 1990-91 season.
The California men's team also enters the Mona Plumber Aquatic Center Saturday riding a 13-meet win streak over ASU.
Coach Michael Chasson said that while his team isn't looking past this weekend's action, there is often more to college swimming than a team's record in seasonal head-to-head competitions.
"Teams all have a different philosophy for preparing for dual meets," Chasson said. He added that some teams take the mid-season polls more seriously, and can wear out before the finals.
Still, the coach said he wants his team to stay positive heading into the two meets in which his club is viewed as the underdog.
It's important for swimmers to remain focused on their individual performance, Chasson said, but they should still support their teammates at the same time.
Senior Emerson Ward said he thinks California and Stanford are among the schools that take winning dual meets more seriously.
Ward was edged out in the 100m breaststroke at last weekend's Dallas Morning News Classic by California senior Caleb Rowe, but said that he plans to make the most of tomorrow's rematch.
"There is definitely a vendetta," Ward said. "I looked over to their bench [afterward] and they were definitely stoked. It's not something you forget."
Reach the reporter at mark.saxon@asu.edu.
