Nov. 28, 2007

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The Illinois swimming and diving team will jump back into action Friday after a two-week hiatus from competition. The third annual Ohio State Swimming and Diving Invitational will run from Friday, Nov. 30 through Sunday, Dec. 2 at the McCorkle Aquatic Pavilion in Columbus, Ohio.

Bowling Green and Denver, along with Big Ten foes Iowa, Michigan State, Minnesota and host Ohio State will provide the opposition for the Illini. Returning to competition against tough conference squads provides added incentive for the Orange and Blue.

"After a couple of weeks away from competition, sometimes it's easy to lose sight of what we are working toward," head coach Sue Novitsky said. "With four Big Ten teams at the invitational, it shouldn't be hard for us to keep our focus and make sure we do the little things that will help improve our times."

For the first time this season, the Illini will participate in a three-day championship format that will test the team's endurance. Training for multiple swims a day has been a priority for the Illini.

"It is important, especially for the underclassmen, that they know what it takes to succeed at championship meets," Novitsky said. "For us to be successful, we must be able to handle multiple swims on multiple days and our training regimen prepares us for those circumstances."

The Illini are familiar with the McCorkle Aquatic Pavilion. In 2006, Barbie Viney won the Big Ten Championship in the 100 free at the venue, becoming the first Illinois swimmer to capture a Big Ten title in 24 years. This season, Ohio State will again host the Big Ten Championships, along with the NCAA Championships.

The first event on Friday is scheduled for 10 a.m. A full recap of each day of the meet will be available on fightingillini.com at the conclusion of competition.