Nova Southeastern University Athletics issued the following announcement on Oct. 8.
The Nova Southeastern Men's and Women's Swimming program's are set to return to competition and dive into their respective 2021-22 season this upcoming weekend at the Indianapolis Invitational from the University of Indianapolis.
The season-opening meet for the Sharks features four-teams that placed within the top-10 at the NCAA National Championships last season on both the men's and women's side. NSU will be competing against Indianapolis (3rd - men's/3rd - women's), Lindenwood (5th/4th), Grand Valley State (8th/5th), and Wingate (7th/6th), giving the Nova Southeastern program a highly competitive early-season schedule.
"It's rare that in any year, you can put this type of talent together in one place outside of the NCAA Championship," said Head Coach Ben Hewitt. "After last year's campaign, this is a perfect way to kick off our season. Our team didn't have the opportunity to travel or compete against more than two teams last year, so my hope is that this experience will get them up to speed."
Hewitt continued, "I believe that this level of competition will serve as great preparation for the tests throughout the season. Our teams have put in a great month of training and have a high-level of focus going into the meet."
The Indianapolis Invitational, in addition to being a strong opening to the season for NSU, is also a homecoming for Head Coach Hewitt, who will be making his return to his high school alma mater, Centergrove for the meet.
"This trip to compete in the Indianapolis Invitational is a full-circle moment for me in my life," added Hewitt. "I didn't start my swimming career at Centergrove, I grew up and matured as an athlete there. When I first started as a swimmer, we just built a brand new eight-lane 25-yard pool, which was just amazing for us as kids. 25+ years later, the community has built one of the top pools in the country and I'm excited to be a part of the first intercollegiate swimming competition on campus."
"I am most looking forward to showing our team something that was an important part of my life and where I fell in love with the sport. I want our team to come together over the weekend, stay in the moment, have fun and swim fast. I'm so thankful we get this opportunity and I believe it says a lot about the experience you get as a member of the NSU Swim Family."
This season, the Sharks will be led by two Olympians in Celina Marquez and Steven Aimable, with the duo representing their home countries in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Marquez competed for El Salvador and Stephen represented his home country of Senegal.
The Indianapolis Invitational is a two-day event, spanning both Saturday (10/9) and Sunday (10/10). The meet will feature three separate sessions, beginning at 3 p.m. on Saturday afternoon and 12 p.m. on Sunday.
To stay up-to-date on NSU Swimming, follow on Twitter and Instagram - @NSU_Swim and Facebook – Nova Southeastern University Swimming.
Original source can be found here.
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