Now that the team has successfully defended its Eastern title, attention has shifted toward the NCAA competition, to be held at Texas A&M in two weeks.

"We definitely have guys who can score big points individually, but it will be very difficult for us to place [in the top 10] if our relays do not get invited," Shevchik said of the team's prospects.

"I think that we can count on improving our 26th-place finish from a year ago," he said.

The competition at A&M will be tough, but it will be nothing new for Shevchik. He took home a bronze medal in the 200-meter backstroke at the 1999 Pan American Games and placed eighth in the 200 backstroke at NCAAs last year.

Shevchik, originally of Wilton, Conn., also placed 12th in the 400 IM at NCAAs last March and finaled in the 200 backstroke at Olympic Trials last summer.

Shevchik (along with Tim Martin '00 and sophomore Erik Patton) is also a 2000 William J. Brooks trophy recipient. The award traditionally goes to one swimmer and diver who have contributed most to the team's success.