Swimmers tread water to third victory

Swimmers tread water to third victory

By Caleb Motsinger

The SIU men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams won every event in their victories over Washington University Saturday.

The victory marked three in a row for the women’s team and was the first victory of the 2012 season for the men.

Junior Jessica Anderson said she credits the teams’ success to a rigorous training season.

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With mid-major rival Western Kentucky making the trip to Carbondale Saturday, the women have a few days off to rest and prepare for the meet ahead.

“Western Kentucky brings good competition,” Anderson said. “We race them every year and they are definitely one of the better teams we go up against.”

With an upset Monday over University of Illinois, the SIU women’s team picked up nine wins by five swimmers in the meet.

The men’s and women’s team saw more than 15 first-place victories Saturday against Washington. With a few days off to recover, Coach Rick Walker said he hopes to see a well-rested and focused team take to the pool for Tuesday’s practice.

“Western Kentucky always seems to be more ready for us than we are for them,” Walker said. “An extra day off for the kids just ensures that they stay a little healthier.”

Walker said every point made makes a difference, whether swimmers place first or fifth. He said his teams’ focus and drive to give their all in every meet is what helped them to be successful so far in the season.

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El Badrawi, a junior men’s swimmer from Egypt, snagged two first-place finishes against Washington and said he believes the team’s overall performance was good but needs improvement to ensure a win over Western Kentucky.

The Salukis will host Western Kentucky 1 p.m. Saturday in the Edward J. Shea Natatorium.

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