So, we always look to the Lochtenator to give us something to talk about, fashion-wise. And so far he hasn’t gotten any “WTF” comments from up in that department; unlike some other people…

We’ve been waiting a while for a new fashion moment and we’ve gotten one! Check out the formal wear Lochte was rockin’ at the Golden Goggles.

AP Photo/Gus Ruelas

And we all know that no one else could pull off this look. Pimpin’ aint easy. Just ask Ryan next time you see him.

“OH MICHIGAN”
Welp, Michigan…2 outta 3 aint bad. Glad we can count on the pool Wolverines to rack up those W’s. That was the most underwhelming OSU/UM game I can remember in my lifetime; and I’ve seen many!

GOLDEN GOGGLES
Anyway, moving on to the Golden Goggles. They’re tonight. I’m not expecting many surprises. I expect Phelps and Ziegler to clean up. Speaking of Phelps…

Look at the pic to your right. At first glance, doesn’t it look like someone got dressed without a key article of clothing? *shudders* I just ate and I was afraid my food might come back up. Thankfully, it was just horrible shadowing and I won’t be kept up at night with nightmares. The lord be praised! Feel free to click on the thumbnail for a larger picture.

And because I can, I’d like to introduce Mr. Phelps to what should be his new best friend:

To check out the other not-so-frightening portraits from the Golden Goggle photo session, click here. It’s always great to see the swimmers in street clothes.

PSYCH SHEET
Keep an eye out later this week for post concerning ticket packages for the Olympics in Beijing. I’ve literally been sitting on this post trying to find the words to express my utter shock and disgust for what’s happening to USA Swimming and the families of Olympic hopefuls. I hope to pull something together this week, but when I have to hold back and choose my words carefully, tasks become increasingly more difficult. You’ll see.

It’s been a couple of weeks. Time to get back to what we do best around here, right?

So with “The Game” set to jump off tomorrow in Ann Arbor, it reminded me that we haven’t written a Michigan-specific post in a couple of weeks. We know, we know. That’s unacceptable. We’ll be better! We promise!

OOPS, MY BAD!
I’m not sure where I was or what I was doing when the Michigan boys travelled to Bloomington, IN for meets against IU and Texas. I remember being jealous that I wasn’t going to be able to see those meets; especially because the Longhorns almost never venture this far north during the NCAA season. Anyway, long story short, Texas swept both IU and UM, but UM defeated IU. It didn’t hurt the boys though. They actually rose one spot in the CSCAA poll to #4. Represent! I know the boys are likely bummed this week seeing as how they’ll be away at Northwestern when “The Game” jumps off. But that’s what cell phones are for. I’m sure they’ll be routinely updated as to what’s going on. I know it’s not the same as being there, but what can ya do? I expect 3 (yes, 3) Michigan wins this weekend. 2 from the swim team and 1 from the football team.

“THE GAME”
If you grew up in Ohio or Michigan, then you know what a big deal the Ohio State/Michigan rivalry is. Many will argue, but they don’t know. It is THE biggest rivalry in college sports. I grew up (and still live) in Columbus, so I’ve had all things OSU crammed down my throat for as long as I can remember. I didn’t go to school there, or anything. I’m not a fan. But don’t tell anyone around here that. I don’t want to get jumped. But what people fail to realize is that Columbus is not your average “college town”. It is actually the 15th largest city in the country. And there is a lot more going on here than just Ohio State. So I’d be willing to wager there are a whole lot more people like me than you’ve been led to believe.

Last year, when he asked me if I had any extra tickets for him to the big game in C-Bus, PVK told me that I “better be cheering for Michigan”. I was, but a lot of good that did them. Maybe I should be rooting against them this year? Hmmmm. All I know is that I want Mike Hart to get a win against OSU before he graduates. I also want a UM win so I can see the next hilarious thing he says to the media. Swimming needs a “Mike Hart”. For serious.

THE HUSKY INVITE?
Seriously? Why is the Michigan swimming team going to the Husky Invite in 2 weeks? There are some major invitationals and championship meets going down that weekend, such as the Texas Invitational (that Michigan used to go to) and the Short Course Nationals in ATL. So why is Bob dragging the boys out to Seattle for the Husky Invite? Did someone lose a bet? Is the team being punished for something? Who else is competing at the Husky Invite? Anyone? Bueller?

CONGRATULATIONS ARE IN ORDER
We’re afraid he’ll turn “hater” like his oldest brother, but we’re willing to take a chance. On behalf of all of the Swim Aids, we’d like to congratulate a Vanderkaay named Dane on being totally predictable and committing to the University of Michigan. We know you had to keep a little suspense going since everyone has had you as a UM lock for years. (Kind of like we know you’re reading this right now ) But let’s be real. I don’t think anyone would be able to stomach seeing a member of the Vanderkaay clan rockin’ anything other the Maize & Blue (during the NCAA season) and a CW (in the summer). It is simply not done. So Michigan completes the VDK Sweep. Hopefully we’ll see another sweep, in a few years, when Dane is voted a team captain; just like all 3 of his older brothers.

SWIM OFFS
++ I am well aware that this a long post. But it was necessary. You love it.++

++ Wasn’t commenter Messler supposed to hit up the Northwestern/Wisky/UM meets this weekend? If you see this and go, we’d love the 411!++

++ I thought everyone should know that Miss Hunninghake saw our shout-out post, emailed me personally, and sends her thanks for being so sweet. See why we love her?++

From EmmyMik’s Flickr photostream

It was recently brought to my attention that there was a male swimmer, at Nationals, who was rocking the most amazing and amusing swim cap ever.

I still don’t really remember this, but I won’t say why. That’s none of y’alls business! What happens in the stands during swim trips, stays in the stands!

Anyway, our very own Erika went and found a picture in the hopes that it would jog my memory. It really didn’t. Apparently, we all thought it was the funniest thing we’d ever seen! I’m told we went so far as to figure out said swimmer’s identity (no, we don’t remember anymore), and plotted to create a website for him just because he wore that awesome swim cap. We’ve created website for swimmers for even more bizarre reasons than that. Trust me.

I wish I was kidding with this story, but I’m not. I told y’all we were crazy. Maybe now you’ll believe me!

Anyway, Erika has dubbed this fine young lad her “boyfriend” and thought everyone would enjoy a laugh at our expense, because really, that what’s we’re here for!

You love us. Don’t even front.

So it isn’t 100% set in stone right now, but it would practically take an act of the guy upstairs to get us to Hotlanta for the upcoming Short Course Nationals.

The Swim Aids have a lot of juicy things on their plate right now. No, not steak, although that does sound pretty damn good right now. Anyway, as a result it’s looking like we won’t be making the trip to the ATL to cover and pump fun into USA Swimming’s 1st annual Short Course Nationals. Now we know you were all looking forward to our typical anecdotes and pictures, but it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen.

We may go elsewhere that weekend, like the Texas Invitational and/or the Ohio State Invitational. We’ll keep everyone updated on what we do. We have been known to pull off some spectacular last minute “swim trips”!

Stay tuned!

But we’re not surprised to see her doing the damn thing for the New York Road Runners organization!

I was reading an article on Access Hollywood’s website (yes, celeb gossip junkie right here!) about Katie Holmes’ entry in the New York City Marathon last week. Long story short, people are mad that Holmes was accepted when over 60K entries are denied. The women’s qualifying time standard is just under 3.5 hours. Holmes finished the race in 5.5. Sara set everyone straight and clarified that Holmes was granted entry to race as a VIP, and not one of the “regular people”. So, she didn’t take anyone’s spot.

I know none of you care about that, and honestly, neither do I. What I cared about was that Access Hollywood went to none other than Sara Hunninghake (manager of media relations with the New York Road Runners Club and former media director for USA Swimming) for clarification on Katie Holmes’ entry. And, of course, Sara handled her business. We expect nothing less. She is very good at what she does!

It just reminded us about how much we miss Hunninghake. She was so good and so fun! Especially on deck during meets! Come back to USA Swimming, Sara!

P.S. Shame on you, Access Hollywood, for misspelling Sara’s last name!

EDIT/FIXED: And us her first name. Hey, we got the hard part right! And at least we’re shouting her out. Who ELSE is doing that? Yea, that’s what we thought!

So USA Swimming announced a new points system for the Grand Prix circuit.

I read over it. Sounds good. So what do I want to discuss? I thought you’d never ask!

This is the line that got me thinking:

The standings will integrate male and female participants, and will recognize the swimmer with the highest cumulative point total.

What exacty does “recognize” mean? Does the overall points winner get a pat on the back? A handshake? Perhaps their very own write-up in Splash Magazine?

I think the prize money pool that drives the Mare Nostrum and World Cup tours is a really good thing. Especially in a sport like swimming. So is there a monetary incentive for participants? I know there are going to be swimmers who technically cannot accept prize money. So maybe scholarship money or a training stipend? Something?

Don’t get me wrong, I think the points system is a good idea! Seeing more swimmers — especially the National teamers — compete in Grand Prix meets is something I’m glad USA Swimming is focusing on; especially if they all decide to go to the Ohio State stop…*cough*.

I’m just looking for a little more clarification on how this points system is going to lead to more grand prix participation. Inquiring minds would like to know.