Middies Swim Squad Tests Crimson Varsity

After last week's smashing upset of powerful Army, it might seem that the varsity swimming team would have little trouble against a less-highly rated Navy team this afternoon. But the strength of the Middies is untested so far this season and they have a number of top swimmers back from last year's powerful team. Should the varsity take the contest lightly. Navy might well escape with the victory.

Several exciting individual races promise to highlight the contest. Navy's Gay Hopkins is one of the top middle distance swimmers in the East and might challenge Crimson star Dave Abramson in either the 200 or 500-year freestyle events. Navy's sprinter Collins is also rated a real threat to take a first-place points. He will meet Elliot Miller, Gregg Skalinder, or Alan Engleberg in the 50 and the 100-yard freestyles.

In the butterfly Joe Stetz faces Navy ace Buchanan, a meeting which could produce near-record times. The Middles also will put forward especially strong men in the breaststroke, against Bill Chadsey and Porky Pitts, and in the dive against Dan Mahoney and Jeff Lewy.

Only in the individual medley and the backstroke, will the Crimson find relatively easy going. There, All-American John Pringle should continue his string of victories. Against Army, Pringle set a University record of 2:17.8 in the 200-yard breast stroke and an Army pool record in the individual medley.

The Navy team arrived yesterday evening to begin workouts for the meet to be held at 4 p.m. today at the IAB. In the past Navy teams have flown up the day of the contest, and the early preparations may indicate that the Middies have some strong surprises in store for the varsity.

The freshman team, undefeated in three outings, will open the swimming events at 2 against Hebron Academy.