When most people take a trip to Florida, they wade leisurely in the ocean and then get back out to catch some rays on the beach.

But most people aren’t competitors for the Iowa State men’s swimming team.

Over the holiday break, the Cyclone sharks took part in an intensive training period at the 62nd Annual College Swim Coaches Association Forum held in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Coach Trip Hedrick said his squad accomplished its main goal of working on conditioning. “Our focus is to train, and we had a really good training trip,” he said.

“We had a great time. We’re on schedule,” Hedrick said. “Everybody held up real well.”

Hedrick said he has taken his squad to the meet every year but one during his reign at ISU. “It’s just a really nice setup. They were good competitions.”

In addition to strict conditioning, the team competed in several contests against other Division I, II and III collegiate squads attending the forum.

On Jan. 9, the Cyclone divers made splashes in the Bim Stultz and Mike Pepe Diving Competitions.

ISU’s Jim Zagaria took first in both the one- and three-meter events, while Steve Mohabir grabbed second place in the three-meter and fourth in the one-meter.

Just four days earlier, on Jan. 5, the Cyclones raced ahead of the pack in the Bob Mowerson Sprint Meet.

ISU swept the medal standings in three events. In the 400 freestyle, Lovre Franicevic nabbed first, followed by Bryan O’Neill and Evan deSoerke.

Mitch McGinty touched the wall for a first in the 50 freestyle, Jeremy Wilson took second and Henrik Ingesson third.

ISU also swept the places in the 50 breaststroke, with Jay Schindler, Mark Ritcey and Tim Hansen anchoring the top three places.

In the 200 backstroke, Brian Rogers placed second, while Peder Skoog took third. Senior Bob Bredice captured the 50 freestyle crown.

McGinty also snagged second place in the 100 freestyle at the 100-Meter Meet.

Even though he said the Cyclones were not seriously challenged by their Division II and III opposition in Florida, McGinty said the trip was beneficial for the men.

McGinty said the trip gives the ISU team members some confidence, and they can now focus on fast times after having the Florida training experience.

“I thought it went real well,” he said. “The training was really intense, but I think we came out pretty well.”

Hedrick said the toughest stretch of preparation is over and now a transition period will take place as the swimmers cut down on their volume and focus on speed and intensity.

ISU’s return to the bitter cold Midwest brings them up against stiff competition in Saturday’s duel in Lincoln, Nebr.

The upcoming meet against Nebraska will be a tough test, as the Cornhusker squad is viewed as the second-best team in the conference, behind the fourth-rated Texas Longhorns.

The Huskers are ranked 16th in the nation currently, while the Cyclones hold the 24th spot in the polls.

McGinty said, “I’m looking forward to it. Coming back here will be nice to get back to some good competition.”