The talent pool runs deep in the Southwest Ohio Swimming and Diving Classic, and that's how Erin Fawley likes it.

The Xenia High School junior will be one of the ones to watch in the meet that draws 2,616 swimmers and 164 divers from 110 schools. It is one of the largest swim meets in the country; the preliminaries are being staged at six different venues.

"It's almost a preview to the district," Fawley said. "Southwest Ohio is known as a pretty fast district. The caliber of competition is close to the state meet. It tells me where I'm at in my training and what I need to do to get ready for state."

In the 500-yard freestyle — her favorite event — the competition will be stacked. Fawley finished ahead of her personal timetable last season, placing second at the Division I state championships (4:58.24).

"That's a great memory," Fawley said. "I didn't expect that at all as a sophomore. I saw some swimmers coming up from behind me and I used all the energy I had and touched in."

Fawley listed the pool sharks in her event: Sarah Andrews and Darcy Heuser of Centerville; Emily Simpson and Carly Stepp of Beavercreek; defending state D-I 500 titlist Anita Beck of Anderson (4:54.24); and reigning D-II champion Amanda Smith of Indian Hill (4:50.95).

One of the classic's attractions is that it offers events normally not on the program. For instance, Fawley will compete in the 200 back in addition to the 100, 200 and 500 freestyle.

Like most committed swimmers, Fawley wakes at 4 a.m. She grabs a breakfast bar and is off to practice at the Wright State Natatorium. She trains twice a day, knocking out 6,000 to 10,000 yards for her club team (USS Dayton Raiders).

"I like to race, and I'm a very competitive person," Fawley said. "My coaches tell me I consistently hold my times in the 500. I'm still developing a kick. I benefit from my coaching under Kevin Weldon (Dayton Raiders). He achieves a balance between distance and sprinting in his training. He knows everything about the sport and knows how to make you a faster racer."

It is not just swimming that defines Fawley, who is a high school scholastic All-American. She maintains an impressive 4.3 GPA and aspires to swim in college and study sports nutrition or athletic training.

"I watch what I eat closely — no junk food or caffeine," she said. "I'm picky."

Going to the Southwest Classic

What: 24th Southwest Ohio High School Swimming and Diving Classic

When: Saturday and Sunday; prelims Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m.; finals at 7 p.m. both days

Where: Keating Natatorium, Cin. St. Xavier for the 7 p.m. finals Saturday and Sunday; swimming prelims are at Beavercreek YMCA, Countryside YMCA in Lebanon, Miami University, Mason, Milford and Trotwood-Madison high schools.

More info: www.swimmeet.com

Who to watch: Top local swimmers include Emily Simpson (Beavercreek); Sarah Andrews, Rebecca Brooks and Darcy Heuser (Centerville); Ally Stover (Alter); Erin Fawley (Xenia); and Aaron Buchanan (Beavercreek).

Top local diver: Colleen Burke (Centerville)

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2478 or rjackson@DaytonDailyNews.com.