The Ball State University swimming and diving teams look to defend their titles at the House of Champions Invitational at the IUPUI Natatorium this weekend.
The Cardinals enter this year's six-team invite after winning the invite last year, the men by 162.5 points and the women by 131 points. The teams enter the meet after 13 days of rest, including three days at home for Thanksgiving.
Coach Bob Thomas said the team has had lighter practices this week to prepare for the invite.
"We have gotten some rest this week and with rest comes strength, and with strength comes speed," Thomas said. "The setting is just right for the kids to hit their best times of the season."
The teams go into the meet boasting both Mid-American Conference Swimmers of the Week, freshman Chris Krupa and junior Mary Ehresman.
This is the first meet of the year that is set up the same as the MAC Championship. Each squad can take 18 swimmers, with divers counting as 1/3 of a swimmer. In a traditional meet, a team can have as many competitors as they want.
The coaches have to decide which swimmers will get to compete and who will have to watch. However, this meet does provide a good chance for the coaches to see who can compete under the pressure of a big meet, Thomas said.
"Who competes well this weekend plays a big role in who will swim at the conference championship," Thomas said. "The best swimmers will thrive under the pressure and will rise above the rest."
The Invitational will start Friday at 6:30 p.m. The Saturday morning session will start at 10 a.m. and the evening session begins at 5 p.m.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
