Swimming and diving heads to Ohio State

FAYETTEVILLE – The University of Arkansas swimming and diving team travels to Columbus, Ohio, for the Ohio State Invitational Friday through Sunday. This will mark the first time in program history that the Lady Razorbacks compete at Ohio State. This weekend’s invitational features Arkansas, Bowling Green, Denver, Iowa, Ohio State, South Carolina, and Utah. Three additional teams bring diving squads only including Alabama, Arizona State and Miami (Fla.). “We’re excited about the challenge this weekend, being in a new environment with new competition,” said head coach Jeff Poppell. “After the LSU meet we entered a new cycle with our training, increasing the volume and intensity of our work. One of the byproducts of that is we’ve been a little banged up. Hopefully everyone can rally, get behind each other and get up and race regardless of the circumstances.” The meet gives Arkansas a chance to swim at Ohio State’s McCorkle Aquatic Pavilion, which is the location of the 2008 NCAA Championships. It also helps the team prepare and practice for the format of a meet that is similar to the Southeastern Conference Championship in February. “This is a perfect opportunity to put the team under the same types of conditions that they will see at SEC’s,” said Poppell. Before the holiday break, Arkansas earned its first win of the season splitting a double-dual meet against Georgia and Emory. The Lady’Backs lost to the Bulldogs, 114-178 but were victorious over the Eagles 161-138. Arkansas won five events and turned in five personal-best times at the meet. “To get that first win was important and hopefully that will be a source of confidence going into the rest of our season,” Poppell said. For more information about Arkansas swimming and diving, log on to LADYBACKS.COM.