Marshall University Athletics
Thundering Herd Prepares for Miami Invitational This Weekend
11/29/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Swimming and Diving
Nov. 29, 2005
OXFORD, Ohio - After nearly three weeks off from competition, the Marshall Thundering Herd women's swimming and diving will travel to the campus of former Mid-American Conference opponent Miami University to participate in the Miami Invitational at the Corwin M. Nixon Aquatic Center.
The three-day meet, which begins Thursday, Dec. 1 at 6 p.m., will feature 14 women's and 11 men's teams including Conference USA member Houston.
"This invitational allows us many opportunities," Marshall head coach Leonard Kraus said. "Year in and year out, the Miami Invitational is a great meet with tremendous depth and this year is no exception.
"It is always great to swim new competition and swimmers and divers you don't normally see in meets."
Last season, the Herd finished third out of nine teams at the Miami Invitational. That performance was lead by 400-yard medley, 400- and 800-yard freestyle relay teams which set school records.
After starting the season 5-1, Marshall (5-5) finds itself on a four-meet slide, including a tough loss at C-USA member East Carolina on Nov. 12.
"The invite will allow us to swim a prelim/finals type meet like what we will see at Conference. We can also see our freshmen in this situation and hopefully shine some light on possible third events at Conference."
Among the 14 women's teams participating this weekend at the Miami Invitational are Cal-Davis, Cincinnati, Cleveland State, Denison, Emory, Johns Hopkins, Kenyon, Miami, Oakland, Denver, Wheeling Jesuit and Wright State.
"We are excited about seeing Houston this weekend," Kraus said. "It's important to evaluate them because of the unfamiliarity of the new conference and teams."
Following this weekend's Miami Invitational, the Marshall Thundering Herd will host in-state rival West Virginia University at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at the Frederick A. Fitch Natatorium.
