Jan. 20, 2004
IOWA CITY, IA –
THIS WEEK – The University of Iowa men’s swimming team will host Big Ten opponents Indiana and Minnesota Saturday at the UI Field House Pool at 1 p.m. This marks the first Big Ten competition for the Hawkeyes since November 7th against Purdue.
LAST COMPETITION – Iowa came away with two victories against South Dakota and Truman State last weekend in Vermillion, SD. The Hawkeyes defeated South Dakota 185-106, then went on to beat Truman State195-73. Iowa was led by junior Elliot Ptasnik who came away with individual victories in the 800 freestyle, 200 breastroke and 200 IM. The Hawkeyes broke five pool records including Andrei Prada’s 100 breastroke performance that nearly broke the previous record by two seconds.
ON INDIANA – The Hoosiers are currently ranked 25th nationally with a record of 1-5 overall and 0-2 in the Big Ten. Indiana has faced one of the nation’s toughest schedules thus far this season. Four of the six teams they have faced have been ranked in the top 25.
ON MINNESOTA – The Golden Gophers are off to another great season. Minnesota is currently ranked eighth nationally and have come away with two team titles in competition this season including a big victory at the Georgia Invitational in Athens, GA last month.
QUOTING COACH DAVEY – “These are two very good Big Ten teams that should turn out to be a great competition for our squad. Minnesota is historically a perennial power and they look to be the same strong squad this season. They should really challenge our team. Indiana will also be a very tough opponent and they should make for a very competitive meet, which should exciting. It is nice for us to be back at home swimming and our team is anxious for this Saturday’s meet.”
HEAD COACH John Davey – Former Hawkeye all-American John Davey is in his fifth year as head swim coach. Davey is the only Big Ten athlete in any sport to ever be named conference Athlete of the Year in their sport four consecutive years. While at Iowa, Davey won 10 Big Ten titles and was a 10-time all-American.
DIVING COACH Bob Rydze – Bob Rydze is in his 29th year as diving coach of the men’s and women’s teams at the University of Iowa, and is the dean of Big Ten swimming and diving coaches. Rydze has coached three Olympians.