The Illinois State swimming and diving team concluded its two day competition at the 25th annual Ayres Hotel and Suites Invitational hosted by California-Irvine at the Anteater Aquatics Complex. The Redbirds placed eighth on the final day of competition in the relay events with a score of 40.
The day was highlighted with Jenny Klicka finishing strong in the 800-Yard Freestyle relay. Head swimming and diving coach
Steve Paska is proud of the aggression and intensity Klicka showed throughout the invitational.
Jenny has a tremendous work ethic, said Paska. She prepared for this invitational and it showed throughout her events.
Katie Finan and Simone Leger swam consistently within their events along with staying focused both in and outside of the pool.
The team as a whole did not swim up to my expectations, said Paska. It was not our best effort. We are going to have to improve diligently through practice this week as we prepare for the dual meet against UIC Friday evening.
On the diving side, Krystal Featherston topped the day with a score of 497.15 in the one-meter diving event. Following closely were Terra Whisman in the second place spot with a score of 476.75, Kate Johnson in the fourth place spot with 439.75 and Alison Kouba in the tenth place spot with 433.23.
Head diving coach Carly Weiden is very impressed with the divers performance this weekend.
Once again we had four girls place in the top 12, said Weiden. This invitational has been a great tool in preparing for our upcoming meet against UIC.
The Birds will return to the pool to face off against the University of Illinois-Chicago Friday, Jan. 14 at 5 p.m. in Horton Pool.
For more information regarding the results of the UCI Invitational, please visit http://www.swim.uci.edu/2005Invitationals.html
