For the second straight season, the Redbird swimming and diving team will travel to a warm climate to prepare for the spring portion of its schedule. On Saturday, January 8, and Sunday, January 9, the Birds will compete in the 25th annual Ayres Hotel & Suites Invitational hosted by California-Irvine at the Anteater Aquatics Complex.
Redbird swimmers will participate in three meets during the two-day event, starting with the sprints on Jan. 8 at 11 a.m. CST. The distance meet will be conducted 30 minutes after the completion of the sprints meet. Relays will be contested on Sunday starting at noon.
The diving portion of the invitational will take place over two days, beginning at 5 p.m. CST Saturday and continuing on Sunday at noon.
Illinois State has been in Southern California preparing for the meet since January 1. According to head coach
Steve Paska, rainy weather and cool temperatures have forced his athletes to adjust their training regimen in the outdoor pool.
Weve been here since the 1st and havent seen a single day of sunshine, Paska said. But our athletes have remained focused for the two hours that we spend in the pool everyday. They realize that every opportunity to practice will lead them to a stronger finish come event time.
A total of 18 schools will participate in the invitational, including host California-Irvine, Cal Poly, Cal State Northridge, Idaho, Illinois, Nevada, New Mexico State, Pepperdine, Rice, San Diego State, San Jose State, Washington State, California Baptist, Cal State Hayward, Chapman, Gordon College and Soka.
