Arkansas swimmers compete with star-studded field

OMAHA, Neb. – Five University of Arkansas swimmers compete with a star-studded field of the top American swimming talent this weekend at the Mutual of Omaha Swimvitational in Omaha, Neb. Stephanie Carr, Katie Kastes, Jamie Marks and Erica Totten swim in the same pool with Olympians Michael Phelps, Ryan Lochte, Katie Hoff, Mary DeScenza, Gary Hall Jr., Kaitlin Sandeno, Erik Vendt and Neil Walker. Rounding out the field in Omaha are 2007 World Championships team members Kate Ziegler, Scott Usher, Kim Vandenberg, and Eric Shanteau. The Mutual of Omaha Swimvitational is the last stop of the eight-meet 2007-08 Toyota Grand Prix Series and the final tune-up prior to the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials, which are held June 29-July 6 in Omaha. Swimmers competing at the Mutual of Omaha Swimvitational will be the first to swim in the temporary indoor pool at the Qwest Center, the same pool that will be used at Olympic Trials. The Toyota Grand Prix Series serves as an opportunity for athletes to race against top-notch competition and continue their preparation for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. Lady Razorback Totten swims the meet in an attempt to qualify for and represent the Philippines at the Beijing Olympics. The Mutual of Omaha Swimvitational begins Thursday and runs through Sunday. Prelim sessions begin at 9:30 a.m. each day and finals are scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Finals competition from the meet are broadcast live on Swimnetwork.com. For more information about Arkansas swimming and diving, please log on to LADYBACKS.COM.