College swimming: UTPB hosts only home meet

The UTPB Lady Falcons swim team was dangerously close to being disqualified before the season began.

But a concerted effort by existing team members and team officials led to enough athletes being found to put together a full team for the 2007-08 season.

Now, the Lady Falcons are hoping to do more than just participate, but also win some meets.

“We recruited girls from other sports and girls that hung out with other athletes,” JiJi Fortin said. “We have a pretty solid team right now. I think our team has pulled together. We want to perform well and continue to improve.”

Fortin and the rest of the men’s and women’s swim teams host a rare meet on campus at noon Saturday.

“In most sports you have about the same amount of games at home that you do on the road,” Nick Johnson said, “but in swimming you only have one or two meets at home, so this is a big deal.

“We hope students will come out and watch. It is always nice to have some support.”

Johnson, a four-year member of the men’s team, is confident in his team this weekend.

“This year we have a solid group of seniors,” he said. “We have five guys who have been here all four years and we have some talented freshmen.

“We are trying to better our times so we can advance to the (Heartland) conference meet.”

Johnson participates in the 100-meter freestyle and 100 butterfly.

He said his personal goals this season include lowering his best time in the 100 freestyle from 51 seconds to 49 seconds.

On the women’s side, the Lady Falcons have won their own meet the last two years.

“I’m hoping we will place well,” Fortin said. “I am not sure where we will be this year with our low numbers, but I think we can put up good times.

“Everyday we kind of push each other and these girls work so hard. I am excited about this weekend.”

UTPB SWIMMING INVITATIONAL

Saturday at UTPB’s pool

Events start at noon

>> Teams participating: UTPB, Grand Canyon State University (Ariz.) and Austin College.