Illinois States head swim coach
Steve Paska, is looking for his team to gain valuable experience when they head to South Bend, Ind. Friday to compete in the Notre Dame Relays. The meet will begin at 6:40 p.m.
I believe going to Notre Dame is a great way to start off the season, said Paska. Its a great way to know how everyone competes in a variety of events.
The Redbirds will be competing against five other schools, Valparaiso, Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Marquette and St. Marys College in the all-relay meet. The diving competition will also be scored as a team event, with all divers competing in synchronized dives in pairs of two.
Head diving coach Laura Segerlin wants this unconventional diving meet to be a good road trip experience for her young group.
Synchronized diving isnt something we practice everyday, said Segerlin. I want my girls to go out there and get a good experience traveling, have some fun and enjoy being in a competitive environment.
Paska is hoping this meet will be a building block for the future.
On the evaluation side of things, this meet will help me down the road since I will be able to see how the girls can keep their focus and perform, said Paska. Some girls will be swimming five or six events and Ill be able to tell who has good stamina and endurance.
The Notre Dame Relays will serve as the first official competition for theBirds this season. They held their Red/White Intra-Squad Scrimmage Friday, September 27 at Horton Pool.
