Nov. 7, 2002

Columbia, S.C. – The Gamecocks are 2-1 on the season after winning their last week’s mathup with SEC opponent Kentucky at home. Carolina is now 2-0 at home and hope to continue that success this Friday, Nov. 8 against archrival Clemson. The meet is scheduled to start at 5:00 p.m. in the Carolina Natatorium.

“With Clemson, its not swimming, its like a religion,” said head men’s and women’s coach Don Gibb. “This meet will be a good springboard for us as we travel to Florida next week. Emotion will play a huge part in the meet, just like any rival meet. It’s going to be tough, but we had a good showing against Kentucky and if we can build on that, we will be happy at the end of this weekend’s meet with Clemson.”

Last week the Gamecocks beat the Kentucky women’s team and the 21st-ranked men’s team. The freshman stand-out distance swimmer Stephanie Margalis helped the women’s team along, winning every event she swam, and Tamas Szucs helped the men’s team as he hit the B-qualifying standard for the 200 Free with a time of 1:38:21.

The Palmetto State swim-off will be a featured event at USC as free Gamecock T-shirts will be given out. Fans will also have a chance to meet and take pictures with Cocky, who will make an aquatic appearance. A packed house is expected to watch the event and local media will also be present to archive the matchup. Admission is absolutely free for all.

“We have had great crowds at this meet in the past,” said coach Gibb, “and we expect to have a huge group here on Friday. We are very closely matched with the Tigers on paper, but with the crowd and swimming in our house, we definitely have an advantage. It really gets our swimmers and divers excited to see all of the great fans here.”