Jan. 9, 2003

Columbia, S.C. – Coming off of a two-week layover, the South Carolina Gamecocks will test their abilities in the Carolina Natatorium for the last time this Saturday, Jan. 11, at Noon. The Gamecocks will be competing against Southeastern Conference foe Tennessee and Penn State from the Big 10.

The meet is Carolina’s first since the Auburn Invitational on Dec. 5-7. The Gamecocks had a good showing in Auburn, with the women’s team breaking four school records and both squads qualifying several athletes for NCAA competition. The women’s squad enters this weekend ranked 19th in the nation by CSCAA (College Swimming Coaches Association of America).

Head men’s and women’s coach Don Gibb said, “Both programs are national powerhouses so it will be a good test to see where we are right now. We are only five weeks out of SEC’s and this will help us a good deal to gauge what we have yet to work on; where our weak points are and our strong points as well.” Both Tennessee and Penn State ended last year ranked in the top 15. Tennessee was 12th and Penn State ended at number 15 on the men’s side.

Along with being the last home event of the season, Saturday will also be senior day. South Carolina will honor its only seniors, Cory Conway and Kristen Butler.