Meet Program (PDF)

CHARLESTON, Ill. -- The Eastern Illinois men's and women's swimming squads will look to continue to improve on their respective dual meet records on Saturday, hosting Summit League rival IUPUI at EIU's Ray Padovan Pool.  The noon meet has been designed as 'Paint the Pool Pink'.

The Panther men and women currently sport 5-2 and 4-3 dual marks, respectively, thus far this season.  With the end-of-season Summit League Championship right around the corner, both squads will continue to improve on individual times as both squads have just two more dual meets on the docket.

IUPUI, meanwhile, are 1-7 and 2-8 for the men and women, having lost to four fellow opponents of the Panthers this season, including losing to Saint Louis, WIU, Ball State and Evansville.  Both EIU squads, meanwhile topped SLU and WIU, but lost to BSU and UE as well in earlier season meets.

"We usually swim against IUPUI much earlier in the season," said second year head coach Matt Bos.  "But we got them once at home, so this should be a fun meet."

In what is becoming an annual event, the Panthers' 'Paint the Pool Pink' service meet will help raise money for the battle against breast cancer, with all proceeds going to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.  EIU swimmers Alyssa Lehman and Sofia Pappanastos are spearheading the fundraise this season, along with help from the Jaguars of IUPUI.  

Fans are encouraged to don their favorite pink shirt, with shirts also being sold at the event.  Donations are also accepted as the pool will be decorated in pink, including the turn lane flags.

"IUPUI has several talented people at the top," said Bos.  "They probably don't have quite as much depth as we do, however.  Since it is technically a conference meet, this will be a good preview for us to see what IUPUI may bring to the Summit League meet.  Plus they will get a first-hand look at us as well."

Last season at the league championships, the EIU men and women finished in third and fifth place, respectively.  Both IUPUI squads, meanwhile, finished in last place.  However, this season the championship meet will be held on the IUPUI campus, so the Jags will have a 'home field' advantage.

Following the Saturday meet, the Panthers will have a rematch with the Billikens of Saint Louis.  First splash is set for noon next Saturday at Padovan Pool.  It will also be 'senior day' as the squads will honor the seniors prior to action taking place.

For more info, contact Bart Rettberg, Asst. SID