2007-08 Swimming and diving schedule released

FAYETTEVILLE – The University of Arkansas swimming and diving team faces seven top-25 teams in the 2007-08 schedule head coach Jeff Poppell announced today. The Lady Razorbacks’ competition includes five teams ranked in the top 10 and the four best Southeastern Conference squads. “We have a very challenging schedule this year,” said Poppell. “We’re competing against nationally ranked competition which is only going to make us better. We need to compete against that level because that’s where we want to be.” Arkansas opens the season with the Red-White meet Oct. 6. The following Friday, Oct. 12, marks the first regular season, double-dual meet as the Lady’Backs host Georgia and North Texas. The Bulldogs finished fifth at the NCAA Championships and second at the SEC Championships. “The Red-White meet gives us an opportunity to feel out the lineup prior to our first dual meet,” Poppell said. “Our first home meet is against incredible competition and is a great way to start off the season.” The Lady’Backs then take to the road with meets at Denver on Oct. 27, Kansas on Nov. 1 and the Indiana Open Nov. 15-17. The meet at Denver is a double-dual meet versus Denver and Utah. “Denver and Utah are both improving teams,” said Poppell. “We faced both teams last year at the Ohio State Invitational and they finished ahead of us. We’re looking to compete with both of them.” Tennessee and Indiana are the top two teams at the Indiana Open. Tennessee finished 10th at NCAAs, while Indiana finished 11th. The New Year opens with travel to Florida and Missouri. Arkansas takes on Florida and Indian River Community College Jan. 5 and Missouri and Missouri State Jan. 12. The Gators were ranked sixth at the end of the season and IRCC won the NJCAA team title each of the past 30 years. Missouri was ranked 24th. The Lady’Backs’ final home meet of the season is Jan. 19 against SEC opponent Vanderbilt. The regular season wraps up in Auburn, Ala., against defending national champion Auburn, and Florida State who finished 17th at NCAAs. “Auburn and Florida State prepare us for the caliber of competition that we see at the SEC meet, which is the best in the country.” The SEC Championships are held in Tuscaloosa, Ala., Feb. 20-23. The NCAA Championships are scheduled for March 20-22 in Columbus, Ohio. “Our goal at the SEC Championships is to move up,” said Poppell. “We want to qualify as many girls as we can for NCAAs and SECs will be our opportunity to do that.” All home swim meets are held at the Arkansas Natatorium and admission is free to the public. For more information about Arkansas swimming and diving, please log on to LADYBACKS.COM.