Missouri State swimming and diving will dive into its 2009-10 campaign on Oct. 10, when it will compete in the 2009 Missouri Showdown.  The meet will feature prominent teams from across the state of Missouri including host school University of Missouri, Division II national champion Drury University and NAIA powerhouse Lindenwood University.

 

“It will be a very good competition,” Missouri State head coach Jack Steck said. “Mizzou has a really good squad, men’s and women’s; Drury is always very good and Washington University in St. Louis is one of the top division III schools in the country.”

           

The meet will comprise mostly short distances and speed events to serve as warm-ups for each school’s individual season. 

 

Because of the close proximity of each school in the competition, a natural rivalry has formed among the teams, resulting in a competitive atmosphere usually reserved for conference meets.  This atmosphere, combined with the talent level tied to the participating schools in the meet, leads to very intense heats and close finishes.

 

“The competition will be fierce,” Steck said. “Missouri is known for competitive swimming – we will do well in this meet.”

 

The last time the Bears swam in the Missouri Showdown was in 2007.  In the contest, the Bears placed second behind the University of Missouri, 357-365.  Junior Cajun Skinner, a freshman at the time, walked away with victories in the 50-yard breaststroke and the 300-yard medley relay, where he swam the third leg.  Seniors Nicolas Villarroel (50-yard backstroke) and Fran Moody (50-yard breaststroke) also won individual races.

 

The meet will begin on Saturday, Oct. 10, at 11 a.m. in Columbia, Mo.  Results will be posted at www.missouristatebears.com when available.