 "Photo: Isaac Smith ~ Daily Egyptian")
The Salukis will face a new challenge when they swim against Washington University for the first time.
The SIU swimming and diving team will host Washington University in a dual meet Friday at the Edward J. Shea Natatorium.
SIU swimming and diving head coach Rick Walker said he told the team to stay focused and to not underestimate the squad from Missouri.
“I told the team, ‘Don’t take your opponent lightly, because the minute you do that is when you get slapped,’” Walker said.
Walker said the team has a few swimmers out because of injury and sickness, but the necessary adjustments will be made.
“We’re a little dinged up,” Walker said. “We have some aches and pains on a couple of swimmers, and a couple of them are sick, but we’re going to manage.”
Senior swimmer Tovah Gasparovich said even though some teammates have been sick, the Salukis have kept their focus.
“We have to keep pushing forward,” Gasparovich said. “When we are in the pool, we’re thinking about swimming fast; we’re not thinking about being sick.”
Senior diver Kyle Carevic said the diving team has been practicing new and more difficult dives as it prepares for Friday.
“It’s good because we are able to be more comfortable with performing these dives in the meets,” Carevic said.
Swim team captain Chris Gaffney said the training has been tough and the team is ready for the meet.
“We are not in a position right now where we want to rest,” Gaffney said. “We are feeling good about ourselves and that we can swim fast when we’re tired at the same time.”
Gasparovich said the team has increased its speed work, and Walker has implemented different exercises to get the Salukis ready for Friday and the second half of the season.
Senior diver Emily Gable said she was excited about competing at home.
“Every time I compete somewhere else, the diving board has a different feel to it,” Gable said. “At home I know my surroundings and my spot when I need to pull out of a dive.”
The Salukis will compete at 5 p.m. Friday at the Edward J. Shea Natatorium inside the Recreation Center.
Ryan Simonin can be reached at 536-3311 ext. 282
