Nov. 15, 2001
Evanston, Ill. - Purdue, Louisville and Southern Illinois bring both their men's and women's squads into town this weekend as they join Northwestern in its annual swimming and diving invitational meet. Action begins Friday at 6 p.m. and will continue on through Sunday.
Last time out, the 21st-ranked Wildcats trounced Big Ten rival Minnesota, 184-114, but fell to Wisconsin, 181-118, two days before.
Katie Simmons (Carmel, Ind./Carmel) is having a stellar sophomore campaign. She is undefeated in the 200 breast and has never finished lower than second in the 100 breast. Carmen Cosgrove (Perth, Western Australia/Nebraska) also puts an undefeated streak on the line this weekend as the junior has not lost in the 100 fly this season.
Purdue looks to be the biggest challenge for NU this weekend. The Boilermakers won two Big Ten matches last week, defeating Ohio State (222-75) and Iowa (159.5-139.5). Purdue junior Lisa Dolansky was named Big Ten Co-Swimmer of the Week with four first-place finishes against OSU and Iowa.
Former Southern Illinois coach (1986-88) and current Wildcat head coach Jimmy Tierney squares off against Jeff Goelz and the rest of the Saluki swimmers and divers. As a team, the Saluki's finished second at last weekend's Illini Fall Classic. SIU senior Brooke Radostits won the 50 freestyle and 200 backstroke to lead SIU in Champaign.
Louisville comes to Evanston with a 5-3 dual mark. The Cardinals won the Midwest Championships last season and return 13 members from last year's squad.
Last year at the NU Invite, the 'Cats placed second to top-ranked UCLA. This year the 'Cats are the only team ranked in the top 25 and are favorites to take home the hardware.
Schedule of Events
Friday Timed Finals-6 p.m. 200 free relay 500 free 200 IM 50 free 400 medley relay
Saturday Prelims - 10 a.m. 400 IM 100 fly 200 free 100 breast 100 back diving (during break)
Saturday Timed Finals - 5 p.m. 200 medley relay 400 IM 100 fly 200 free 100 breast 100 back 800 free relay 1650 free (during break)
Sunday Prelims - 9 a.m. 200 back 100 free 200 breast 200 fly
Sunday Timed Finals - 3 p.m. 1650 Free (during break) 200 back 100 free 200 breast 200 fly 400 free relay