Oct. 6, 2008
IOWA CITY, IA
THIS WEEK — The Iowa men and women’s swimming and diving team will kick off its regular season at home Friday against Truman State University. The meet is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. in the Field House Pool and is open to the public at no charge.
LAST WEEK —The Hawkeyes hosted the annual Black and Gold Intrasquad meet at the Field House Pool. The Gold Squad pulled out a 135-109 win over the Black Squad. “It was just a fun opportunity for us to see everyone race,” said Iowa Head Coach Marc Long. “After all the aerobic and strength concentrated practicing we’ve been doing, it is a good time of year to get in the pool and get ready for the dual meet season.”
ON TRUMAN STATE — Truman State has claimed the women’s NCAA Division II Swimming & Diving Championship seven of the past eight years. After claiming the 2008 NCAA Championship last season, the women’s team looks to begin another strong year. After preparing for the season with an intrasquad and alumni meet at home, the Bulldog men will also travel to the University of Iowa for their first dual meet of the season. The men’s team ended the 2007-08 season third in the New South Intercollegiate Conference and 15th in the nation.
NEXT WEEK —The Hawkeye men and women will host the Wisconsin Badgers Friday, October 17. The meet is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. in the Field House Pool.
HEAD COACH Marc Long — Marc Long is in his fifth season as head coach for the University of Iowa swimming team. It’s his fourth year as head coach of the combined program. During his tenure as head coach of both programs, 10 school records have fallen and 39 Hawkeyes have provisionally qualified for the NCAA Championships.
DIVING COACH Bob Rydze — Bob Rydze is in his 34th year as diving coach of the men and women’s teams at the University of Iowa. Rydze returns to Iowa this season fresh from the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China where he served as Team Leader for USA Diving. During his tenure with the Hawkeyes, Rydze has coached 31 all-Americans, nine Big Ten and one NCAA Champion.