LITTLE ROCK - The Little Rock swimming and diving team is back. Amidst delays, cancellations, and a year unlike any other, the Trojans will open their season tomorrow at the Donaghey Aquatic Center against Ouachita Baptist, simultaneously celebrating the class of 2021.
The meet will begin at 1:00 p.m. and feature a 16-event lineup, with the competition planned to be streamed live on Facebook. Results will also be posted on the MeetMobile app.
Following the competition, the Trojans will honor seven senior swimmers and divers that each have been instrumental for the program both in and out of the water: Mia Gibson, Ashley Hornbuckle, Coy Jones, Lily Kerr, Regan Lawrence, Palmer Ristroph, and Sierra Thain.
"This class has been an integral part of our team development and growth over the past several years," said head coach Amy Burgess. "They have shown that challenges only make you stronger and facing things together makes the journey a lot sweeter. These student-athletes have a lot of fight in them and we are looking forward to seeing that come out during these crazy times and reflect in their future endeavors!"
The Trojans as a whole have been preparing for this weekend since last semester. Little Rock was initially set to open the season at North Texas before the meet was rescheduled to Feb. 6, and the Trojans were also supposed to welcome Arkansas on Jan. 16 before its cancellation.
"The build up of the team's energy and excitement this week have been contagious," added Coach Burgess. "It is hard to put into words the roller coaster of emotions and challenges the last ten months have brought. With so much still unknown, this weekend means so much in so many ways. We are beyond excited to see all of the team's hard work in action."
Aside from the sole November intrasquad meet that the Trojans raced in, tomorrow will be an interesting look at where the team stands at this point in the year, especially in a season has been pushed back from a usual September through February schedule to a January start and April finish. This weekend's meet will also be significant for a 12-member freshman class that has been eager to represent Little Rock in an official competition.
Saturday will be the first of three straight weekends of competition for the Trojans, with the home opener followed by the North Texas reschedule and ending in their first conference meet of the season against defending Missouri Valley Conference champions Missouri State. Little Rock is picked to finish sixth at the MVC Championships.
For the latest information on Little Rock Swimming and Diving, make sure to check out LRTrojans.com. You can also find the team on social media at @LittleRockSwim on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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