Springfield Standard

Missouri State University's men's and women's swimming and diving teams will begin their 2025-26 season with a two-day home meet against Southern Illinois. The competition is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 3 at 4:00 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 4 at 10:00 a.m., taking place at the Hammons Student Center Pool in Springfield, Missouri.

Head coach Dave Collins commented on the upcoming event, stating, "We are very excited to get the season started this weekend with Southern Illinois. They will be a great test for us early in the season. I'm looking forward to seeing how we respond to the training up to this point. We are anticipating a good home crowd and look forward to a great home meet atmosphere and some fast racing."

The women's team has a strong record in recent years, having secured 20 out of the last 23 Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) championships. After finishing third in the conference last season, they aim to return to first place. Returning athletes include juniors Makenzie Kurre and Lana Janson—both MVC first-team selections from last year—as well as six honorable mention recipients.

The men's team also finished third at last year's MVC Championship and seeks improvement this season. Historically, they have won 21 conference titles, including five MVC championships. Four first-team all-conference swimmers return for another year: sophomore Gonzalo Ruiz and seniors Chris Bedsole, Luigi Maciel da Silva, and Jack Grandy.

Both squads welcome several new athletes this season through freshmen recruits and transfers.

In terms of past matchups with Southern Illinois, Missouri State's men's team holds a dual meet record of 22 wins and 13 losses against the Salukis; they won last year's contest by a score of 200–151. The women's team trails in their series with a record of 13 wins and 15 losses; they were defeated by Southern Illinois last year by a margin of 246–107.

Dave Collins enters his fifteenth year as head coach for Missouri State swimming & diving teams. Over his tenure he has been named MVC Swimming Coach of the Year eight times and MAC Swimming Coach of the Year five times.

During both days' events there will be opportunities for fans to contribute donations to Bear Pantry at collection buckets near the pool area; suggested items include non-perishable food, snacks, household supplies, or personal hygiene products.

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