Illinois State swimmers and divers travel to Ball State

[OCT. 22, 2004]  NORMAL -- The Illinois State swimming and diving team will take on Ball State Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. in the Lewellen Aquatic Center in Muncie, Ind. Ball State clinched a victory over the Redbirds last year with a score of 185-116.

Monique Witkowski and Kyle Pullman, returning swimmers for the 'Birds, placed first and second last year in the 50 and 100 freestyle. Witkowski also set a personal best time of 1:58.34 in the 200 freestyle.

Head coach Steve Paska said the girls are getting quite anxious to get in the water and compete.

"So far we have only had one day of competition, which was at the Notre Dame Relays," Paska said. "Right now the girls are getting antsy to start competing and see where the outcomes of their practices have led them amongst their peers."

Last season Krystal Featherston, Terra Whisman and Emily LaVoie finished first, second and third in both the 1-meter and 3-meter diving events. All three divers return this season.

Featherston earned Missouri Valley Conference Diver of the Week honors last year after placing first in both the 1-meter and 3-meter diving events. Featherston is anxious to get on the board and see how much she has improved from last year.

"As a team we have been working hard," said Featherston. "This will start off a great weekend of competition for both the swimmers and divers. We hope to set some more personal bests both on the board and in the water."

Head diving coach Carly Weiden is expecting the 'Birds to put together a tough competition.

"The athletes have been practicing hard this past month," Weiden said. "They will come off strong and bring competition for Ball State."

[Illinois State University news release]

LDN sports sponsored by: