By Andy Ross
Every team has one. Every school has that one other school that they refuse to cheer for. The one school that they cannot stand to watch win. The one school that they bust their butt every single day to beat. The one school that is circled on the schedule from the first day of practice. The one school where everyone brings their A-game. The one school where season records are thrown out the door, reputations are on the line, and bragging rights are at stake.
9. Purdue-Indiana Men
Although I will get heat for including this rivalry in here, I have to admit I am a little biased when including this. I grew up in the West Lafayette area and I know this rivalry all too well.
More known for a basketball rivalry, this matchup still produces good races in the pool and out. These two schools have been known through the years as two of the best diving schools in the country with legendary coach Jeff Huber at Indiana and Adam Soldati at Purdue for many of those match-ups. (Huber's last duel meet featured a standing ovation by the Boilermaker Aquatic Center crowd as he was introduced on Purdue's senior day in 2013).
Although this rivalry has not produced a lot of big name superstars, it has been a huge stepping stone for college swimming and the sport as a whole. In 2012, the meet was broadcast live on the Big Ten Network to be the first college duel meet to be broadcast live on television. It was also the first time the meet had been swum co-ed, as it is normally a men's only and women's only meet. The matchup has been the only meet that the BTN has broadcast live as it was also picked up in 2013 at the women's only meet and in 2014 at the men's only meet. The meet has had historical implications to swimming on TV but it also has some good meets in recent memory.
In the 2008-2009 season, Purdue was having a phenomenal year. Led by senior sprinters John Schmitt and Andrew Langenfeld, Purdue had lost two meets entering the day but was swimming inspired while Head Coach Dan Ross's wife was battling breast cancer. Indiana had a solid year themselves but had worn the high-tech bodysuits throughout the year. On the Boilermaker's senior day, Ross was left with a decision: wear briefs and get beat up, or suit up and give them everything they can handle, which they did.
The meet started off with a school record for the Boilers in the 400 medley relay, and also included school records by Langenfeld in the 50 free and 100 fly throughout the day. (Yes, they broke three school records in a dual meet.) The meet was back and forth between the two teams the entire way and every race was loud and intense, almost as if it was the Big Ten Championships. The meet was also highlighted by Boilermaker sophomore Matt Stewart back-halfing the 500 and 1000 for the win at the last stroke. With Coach Ross's wife in attendance, the Boilermakers had one final chance to defeat the Hoosiers. With Purdue up 137-128 with two events to go, Indiana surged with AJ Miller and Cody Weik claiming one-two in the 200 IM, as well as Aaron Opell finishing in fourth. The meet came down to the last relay with Ante Zoricic, Matt Lenton, Titus Knight, and Jimmy Barbiere taking the win in the 400 free relay and the 156-144 win.
Purdue coach Ross and Indiana coach Ray Looze agreed it was one of the most exciting dual meets they had ever been apart of. The speed that the Purdue swimmers had in the body suits, the emotion thrown from both sides (numerous "Boiler Up" and "I-U" chants were yelled during the meet), and the incredible finish made for an unforgettable meet.
Purdue ended up beating their rivals at the Big Ten Championships a few weeks later in their home pool for the first time since 1955. Even though Purdue has only beaten Indiana two times in the last 10 years, there will always be a good show when the Boilermakers and the Hoosiers swim each other for the "Soaken Bucket." (A pun on the football trophy between the two teams known as the "Old Oaken Bucket."
