"Omaha Dreaming" is a familiar mantra for college baseball players because getting to Omaha for the College World Series is what they all dream of. 

Omaha is also the site of this week's Olympic swim trials where JH Rose rising seniors Matt Houser and Lauren Perdue are hoping to realize their dream of getting to the Beijing Games.  By their own admissions, both are considered long shots at best. 

Matt got off to a  relatively sluggish start in the trials, finishing 50th fastest out of 53 swimmers in the 400 meter individual medley.  His last chance to make Team USA is Thursday in the 200 meter individual medley. 

Lauren begins her quest at the Qwest Center Tuesday in the 200 meter freestyle.  She's also competing in the 50 and 100 meter freestyle events. 

If nothing else the two has brought attention to the sport in a town known for football and baseball.  I have to admit, I probably wouldn't have watched the 400 meter IM finals Sunday night on NBC with as much interest if Matt hadn't swam against those same athletes earlier in the day.   It turned out to be a great race as Michael Phelps set a new world record just a fraction ahead of his buddy Ryan Lochte.  

Matt and Lauren may not realize their dream of making it to the Olympics this year, but they are getting their feet wet in Omaha by swimming against the best the country has to offer.  Maybe their dreams will finally be realized in 2012.