Sports

Beard part of talented field for pre-trials meet

Amanda Beard, the world record-holder in the breast stroke, and about 15 swimmers who have qualified for the U.S. Olympic trials are scheduled to compete today in the Tucson Ford Dealers Southwestern Swim Classic at Hillenbrand Aquatic Center. Also scheduled to compete are UA swimmers Luis Rojas of Mexico and Juan Veloz of Venezuela, who have already qualified for the Athens Olympics for their countries. Seven finals will be held in this morning's 8 o'clock session, followed by seven finals this afternoon, beginning at about 3:30. UA men swimmers Tyler DeBerry and Dave Rollins, who have qualified for the U.S. trials on July 7-14 in Long Beach, Calif., are expected to compete. Wildcat women swimmers with Olympic trials qualifying times who are expected to swim today include Emily Mason, Erin Sieper, Lisa Pursley and Jessica Wagner. High school swimmers Lacey Nymeyer of Mountain View and Molly Houlton of Catalina Foothills are scheduled to participate today. Both have qualified for the Olympic trials. Sunday's final day of the meet will be for younger, age-group swimmers only.