Hawkeye Fan Shop — A Black & Gold Store | Fight For Iowa | 24 Hawkeyes to Watch 2017-18 | Hawk Talk Monthly — Dec. 2017 | Meet Notes (PDF)
By ALEX SNYDER
hawkeyesports.com
IOWA CITY, Iowa — The University of Iowa women’s swimming and diving team aims for its eighth consecutive victory in the annual Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series dual against Iowa State tonight in Ames, Iowa.
The Hawkeyes ran the streak to seven straight victories, winning 197-101 last season in Iowa City. Iowa dominated, winning 14-of-16 events.
Iowa is looking for a repeat this year, but Iowa head coach Marc Long knows it will be a challenge.
“It’s always an intimidating place to compete,” said Long. “They are always ready for us and we are ready to have our team in that environment. We’re going to do our best to stay focused and race hard.”
Senior Mekenna Scheitlin knows about the challenging environment that lies ahead and the preparation necessary for a rivalry meet. Scheitlin has been apart of this series for the past three seasons.
“This is a rivalry and there is a lot of tradition with this series,” said Scheitlin. “We have all been trying to work on starts, turns, and relay exchanges in preparation for this event.”
Kelsey Drake is one of four freshmen on the women’s team from the state of Iowa. The Iowans understand the importance this series is to the team and Hawkeye fans.
“I grew up in Iowa and have always been an Iowa fan,” said Drake. “Being able to compete in this series for the first time makes me excited. I know the atmosphere will be great. This is my first experience of the rivalry as a Hawkeye; I’m looking forward to it.”
Iowa is coming off a strong showing at the Minnesota Invitational — an event Drake believes will benefit the Hawkeyes.
“Fortunately we were able to compete last week and that has set us up well heading into Iowa State,” said Drake. “A lot of people had good swims and I think that has prepared us well.”
Action begins at 6 p.m. (CT) at Beyer Hall Pool. Live results will be available on hawkeyesports.com.
