The Eastern swimming team is preparing to revive their winless season with meets with both Ball State and Western Illinois this weekend.

After enjoying a southern road trip to Auburn and competing in the Tunica Invitational in Tunica, Miss., the men and women look to add a victory to their 0-3 and 0-4 starts with a newfound confidence and excitement.

Head coach Elliott McGill was proud of how his teams performed.

“We did really, really good. We had thirteen workouts in seven days and got faster and closer as a team,” McGill said.

Junior Kelli DiCanio agreed with McGill and said that the team had a magnificent time and that they were able to really to bond inside and outside the swimming pool.

“We were excited, and had a good time in Tunica and we’re getting better times,” said DiCanio.

McGill this week has attempted to go easy on his team this week in practice but also hit them with hard workouts at times in order to be fresh but ready for Ball State and Western Illinois.

“We have been mixing up regular practice, hard practice and recovery this week,” sophomore Adam Jones said. “It is very important, going into conference with a win under our belt. It will be tough since we have no diving team.”

DiCanio added, “People are looking for results. Western is our rival, it’s a big deal.”

DiCanio also said that since they have a smaller team than both schools, they have to raise their energy level and be sure to stay out front.

Jones stated, “Get out, go fast, try not to die at the end of your race.”

“Western Illinois improved from last year, this will be a really good test for us on Saturday,” McGill said.

Eastern will compete at Ball State at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, and then face Western Illinois at home Saturday at 1 p.m.

Nick Blankenship can

be reached at 581-7942

or nrblankenship@eiu.edu.