This weekend, the Maroons will face their toughest competitors of the year. Fresh off their first-place finish at the Chicago Invitational, the South Siders hope to challenge DI UW–Milwaukee after both the men’s and women’s sides lost to them last year.
With just two dual meets left before UAAs in February, every chance to race is precious, and the Maroons plan on racing hard.
“[This is] another opportunity to swim fast and compete,” head coach Jason Weber said. “Milwaukee will be our toughest dual meet competition of the year so it will be interesting to see how our athletes respond. [The team is focusing on] being sharper in racing and competing than we were last weekend.”
Milwaukee presents stiff competition, with a 4–2 record in dual meets this season. While a victory is not expected for the Maroons, the South Siders hope to improve on last year’s final tallies and perfect their racing techniques before UAAs.
“[UW–Milwaukee] will be the toughest opponent we have faced all year,” second-year breaststroker Andrew Angeles said. “Going up against this DI team, we are focusing on having solid swims and doing our best. A high morale and team support are also crucial for the meet.”
The Maroons have improved steadily throughout the season, posting impressive times at the recent Invitational.
“We are continuing to work hard towards successful championship meets at conference and NCAA,” Angeles said. “We have already put in a lot of work into the season, but we still have a little time before tapering. I think we have really come together as a team and this will help us come time to compete at the UAA Conference Championship.”
With the season winding down, every chance to compete is taken seriously, and the Maroons have their eye on competitions down the line. The Milwaukee meet is one of the last practice meets for the Maroons and is also particularly important for the graduating fourth-years.
“[We want to] try to send the senior class off on a good note for their last home dual meet,” Weber said. “We will be honoring the senior class before the meet begins.”
With 20 graduating fourth-years, the Milwaukee meet will have a bittersweet atmosphere. The Maroons plan on honoring the graduating class by giving Milwaukee a run for their money at the final home dual meet of the season.
The Maroons will take on the Panthers at 1 p.m. tomorrow at the Myers-McLoraine Pool.
