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The Eastern men’s and women’s

swimming teams will head to Indianapolis to face Indiana

University-Purdue University Indianapolis today.

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Both of the Eastern teams will

start their meets at 4:30 p.m. This will be the women’s second

competition since losing to Butler 93-110 two weeks ago. This is

also the first outside competition for the men this

season.

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Both teams have increased

their yardage lately to get ready for the upcoming meet, said

freshman Nikki Peck. She added IUPUI is one of the hardest tests

they will face this season, also since they are a rival

team. 

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“I’m not worried about the

competition, but I am nervous because I have never faced them,”

Peck said.

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Peck said she has been

preparing herself mentally and physically, and feels really good

heading into today’s meet. 

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As other team members are

anxious or nervous, junior Becca Ruffin said she isn’t worried

about the competition because of practice.

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Junior Mike Lacine said he has

been training with the sprint group to help with relays, and has

been having strength and weight training to be stronger in the

pool.

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Lacine said there is extra

motivation to beat IUPUI since former Eastern head coach Matt Bos

moved onto become the IUPUI head coach at the end of last

season.

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“They’ve never beat us when

(Bos) coached us,” he said. “The whole team should be anxious to

show what they can do.”

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Junior Michael Bower, who

specializes in individual medley and breaststroke, said IUPUI has

some pretty good and quick freshmen, which will make it a tough

meet. 

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“It’s going to take a lot of

work and effort from everyone,” he said. “The second and third guys

have to fight in front of theirs. I’m just looking to be quicker

and more powerful, because I’m more of an endurance guy,” Bower

said.

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Lacine said the team can only

control what it does. 

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“They have a couple of good

freshmen, I expect the meet to be close,” Lacine said. 

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Ruffin said the men’s team is

ready to win today.

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“letter-spacing: -0.2px;”>Nick Blankenship can

be

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reached at 581-7942

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or nrblankenship@eiu.edu.