The ISU swimming and diving team improved its record to 2-1 coming off two victories over Western Illinois and Illinois State, and are looking to ride that success into the Minnesota Invitational this weekend.

The invitational looks to be competitive due to the number of big schools participating.

“Missouri and Minnesota are going to be tough, but many other big schools will be in attendance as well,” said head diving coach Jeff Warrick.

The team is looking to get good experience against some strong competition during the event.

“It gives the team a taste of what the Big 12 Conference Championships are going to be like with it being a three-day event,” Warrick said.

He said he is going into the competition with some expectations for his divers.

“I’m just looking for them to be aggressive and score some points and have some of them make it into the finals,” Warrick said. “It would be nice for the girls to walk away with some personal bests as well.”

The invitational also gives the divers a chance to dive off a platform.

“We don’t get to practice the platform very often so we are shooting to break the school record,” Warrick said.

So far this year, the team has been training heavily and is looking for positive results from that.

“We have been working really hard inside and outside of the pool and we hope it all pays off,” said ISU swimmer Kristen Vanek. “I’m very pleased with the start of our season. The freshmen have brought a lot to the team and we’re really coming together.”

ISU swimmer Linda Wagner said she is equally impressed with the squad, noting the all-around strengths in the team.

“This is the best team we’ve had since I’ve been here. We’re really focused and strong in all aspects,” she said.

The closeness of the team out of the water is another factor adding to the early success.

“We are all really good friends and that helps you get through the long season,” Wagner said.

Freshman Hillary Nichols has carved a niche early in the season and brings something new to the team.

“[Nichols] is doing real well. She brings national and international experience to the squad,” Wagner said.

“She is helping us learn how to deal with things.”