Bal Ulen, like Dick Harlow, is going to have to reply on the efforts of a group of sophomores during the coming aquatic season. Just how capably these men can carry the burden about to be thrust at them in a 13 meet schedule is doubtful for the time being. So far, the second-year group can be judged only by last year's performances, which were made none too striking and by the spirit shown during practice mansions this fall. Time trials have been few. The spirit has been encouraging.

When a coach inherits a bunch of Sophomores lacking in outstanding ability local sportswriters generally conclude their remarks about the squad with the ancient blurb, "--but the spirit is fine!" It is the choice of this writer to start, rather than conclude, his remarks with the blurb, for if what is called 'spirit' now can be translated into hard training for the duration of the season, then something tangible will have been achieved in the way of improvement. This, Coach Ulen will tell you, comes only from practice of the most strenuous sort.

Tankmen Are Tough

And no one can deny that Varsity swimming workouts are thought. After two months of ache-producing exercises, the Ulenmen enter, the pool officially, and from 3 o'clock to 4:30 daily, exclusive of morning workouts, the boys wave their arms at the bottom of the bath. A typical session might consist of the following: to being with, a little kicking with the board to limber up the calf and thigh muscles; then, Coach Ulen will inform you to "swim ten laps at three-quarter speed." That usually means 250 yards about us fast as you can go, because five other follows who also want to make the varsity will be swimming with you.

A short rest, and you may be advised to "take 20, easy," which means over a quarter-mile at blotter than hair-speed. Then, gracious Mr. Ulen, in his most condescending manner, will "permit" you to swim ton laps with your feet strapped-- to build up the arms. The first two always feel grand. Sprint drill may follow, which means several full speed 25's or 50's, and after that Half sometimes advises ten more "easy" to loosen you up again. The practice is concluded by some of the boys kicking a few laps and others just jumping in for a quick dip. You see, they like swimming. It should be obvious, then, that spirit is not only a good thing to have in a team--it is a necessity if the arduous workouts are to be endured.

Workhorses Wanted

Last year's Freshmen seemed to have a good time together. Yardling Coach Pete Peterson says it's because they went on several bus trips together; at any rate, it's a good sign of the will to work which is about 90% of being a good swimmer (5% is natural ability; 5% guts). Dave Stearns, leader of the '42 team, typifies the Sophomores: he has spirit--works hard and once tried unsuccessfully to throw a newspaperman into the pool: he has a measure of speed, and he enjoys pulling his rotund body through the water. So do his classmates. With these things in mind, Mr. Ulen, who hasn't had a n natural swimmer since Art Bosworth, can almost let a smile cruse his stormy countenance.