Another two hours of intense swimming in the afternoon help the women keep their skills sharp and strokes efficient. For those who don't know the amount of aerobic fitness a swimming workout requires, Crump said to compare it to running. Freshman swimmer Monica Ferrell said swimming at the college level is more intense and requires more commitment and mental discipline. In college the whole team is awesome. A skill needed by swimmers is the ability to stay focused and motivated with little feedback, Crump said.
Swimming definitely has a dark side, at least for the women's team.
The women shave their legs right before an important meet to cut off any dead skin, Thompson said. Not only does this give them a physical edge, but it also gives them a mental edge. The Cougar women have been growing their leg hair since the second week in August and will not be able to shave again until the Mountain West Conference Championships next month, Thompson said. Since some swimmers are only allowed to shave their legs once or twice a year, it's a huge deal when the big day comes. It's a good thing Utah has cold weather so the girls can disguise the unsightly leg hair with pants and long skirts, Tasker said.