By Michael McCurdy
The Iowa men’s swimming and diving team will host two dual meets, one today and the other on Friday.
The Hawkeyes get South Dakota at 5 p.m. at the Campus Recreation & Wellness Center Natatorium, a dual meet that the Hawkeyes mean to win. So far this season, the Hawkeyes have faced three teams in meets and have only defeated one. So the dual meet against South Dakota is a great opportunity for the athletes to get more practice and come away with a victory.
South Dakota enters this meet coming off a loss on Oct. 29 to South Dakota State, 169-131.
Based on the Coyotes’ performance so far this season, it is fair to say the Hawkeyes should be able to come away with the win. For the Hawkeyes, the constants will remain the same, notably, exceptional diving from sophomore Will Brenner and the top-notch 200 medley-relay team led by junior Jerzy Twarowski.
On Friday, the Hawkeyes will welcome Purdue and Missouri State to the Natatorium, beginning at 2 p.m.
Purdue comes into this meet with a win earlier in the season against Miami (Ohio) and a close loss to No. 16 Notre Dame. The Boilermakers are looking to snag another win on the season and they have a fantastic opportunity against a young Iowa squad.
So far this season, the Tigers of Missouri State are off to a great start, getting second place in the “Missouri Show-Me Showdown” and later defeating both Kansas and North Dakota. The Hawkeyes will have their hands full Friday against two quality teams.
If the Hawkeyes are looking to come away from the weekend victorious, it will take the swimmers and divers who have yet to prove themselves this season to step up and make an impact.
Twarowski and sophomore Kenneth Mende also get the honor to participate in the USA Conference Challenge by representing the Big Ten. The USA Conference Challenge is a two-day event that consists of only short course races.
Last season, Mende led the team in both backstroke events while swimming third-fastest in program history in the 100 meter back. Twarowski is a two time NCAA qualifier who holds Iowa records in four different events. Both look to help the Big Ten shine in what will be a dandy in Indianapolis.
The Big Ten Network will play both days of action on Sunday Nov. 13, so just in case anyone misses any of the action make sure to tune in.
For more information on the Iowa Swimming and Diving team follow @MMccurd