The ISU swimming team is ready to take on what the swimmers think is the toughest competition in the nation Friday: the Big 12 Relays.

“Just seeing how we did against [University of Nebraska-Omaha], I think we are looking great right now and we will try to keep building on that,” said senior breaststroker Marni Benson. The Cyclones beat Nebraska-Omaha on Oct. 11 with a score of 124-72.

The Cyclones scored in every event except the 500-yard freestyle and 400-yard medley relay where Nebraska-Omaha gained the majority of its points.

The Big 12 Relays is made up of both real relay races, such as the 200-yard medley relay, as well as various made up relays, like a 300-yard breaststroke 3×100.

“The meet is a lot of fun,” said junior sprinter Abby Glaser.

Since the meet does not include any individual races, the Cyclones will get to test their teamwork in each event.

“It gives you trust in your teammates,” Glaser said.

The swimmers have been going through the toughest part of their training in the last weeks and hope that their hard work will pay off.

“Everyone from the conference will be there so we are ready to go out and see what we can do,” Benson said.

After the Big 12 Relays, the Cyclones will be into the bulk of their season.

“The relays get you ready and up and racing and it carries you through until conference,” Glaser said.

The following day the Cyclones return for a home meet against Illinois.

“Coming back from the relay meet and swimming against Illinois is going to show us what a strong team we can be,” Glaser said.

Both Benson and Glaser agree that the meet against Illinois should be close. Glaser, an Illinois native, said “athletically, Illinois is pretty comparable to Iowa State.”

The Big 12 Relays are in Lawrence, Kan., starting at 9 a.m. on Friday. The home meet against Illinois starts at 1 p.m. on Saturday.