A new success story is quietly being written at the Ralph Wright Natatorium on the University of Louisville campus — where all teams are expected to compete for conference and national championships.
The UofL men’s swimming and diving team is ranked No. 5 in the weekly poll conducted by the College Swimming Coaches Association of America, moving up four places in the poll after defeating North Carolina last weekend. California is ranked first, followed by Michigan, Texas and Georgia.
Joao De Lucca, a senior from Brazil, is the reigning NCAA champion in the 200 freestyle, having posted the third fastest time in history. Tanja Kylliainen, a senior from Maryland on the women’s team, was named the ACC’s Female Swimmer of the Week after winning three individual events against North Carolina.
Coached by Arthur Albiero in his ninth season, UofL travels to Knoxville this weekend for a three-way meet that includes Tennessee and Auburn.
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No surprise to that Rick Pitino would come out on top of any list of the best-dressed basketball coaches in America. The Louisville coach is rated No. 1 in top 10 list compiled by Myron Metcalf on an ESPN blog.
Metcalf writes, “His $3,000 Italian ensembles are unrivaled in the game. He has a fashion sense that demands attentiveness, style and plenty of cash. Fortunately, he has all three.”
The list also includes Jay Wright of Villanova, Johnny Dawkins of Stanford, and Billy Donovan of Florida. The only surprise is Mick Cronin of Cincinnati who comes in at No. 6 on the list.
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The UofL soccer team is still alive in the ACC tournament, having turned back second-seeded North Carolina 1-0 last Sunday. The Cardinals will face No. 1 seed Syracuse in the semifinals Friday at 8 p.m. in Cary, N.C. The game will be carried live on ESPN3.com.