Missouri State swimming and diving will open up their conference slate on Saturday, Jan. 16 when they will take on conference rivals Southern Illinois and NCAA Division II powerhouse Truman at Hammons Student Center pool.

Southern Illinois has been one of the Bears' biggest rivals in the history of the swimming program.  The men are 10-10 all time against the Salukis, while the women are 4-9.  Additionally, in the Missouri Valley Conference, Southern Illinois and Missouri State are the only two schools to ever win a conference title in women's swimming.  In the MVC top times for the season, either a Saluki or a Bear owns the top spot in all but one event (200-yard freestyle relay, Illinois State).

Truman State is one of the stronger swim programs in NCAA Division II. All time, the men have not lost to Truman State, posting a 19-0 mark.  The women have a 3-8 mark all time.  This will be the second time that Missouri State has faced off against the Bulldogs this season.  Truman State was a participant in the Missouri Showdown on Oct. 10.

Diving will begin at noon, with the swimming events following immediately after.  The Bears' next meet will be at cross-town rival Drury University on Jan. 21 at 5:00 p.m.