COLUMBUS, Ohio – Coming off of an in-state showdown with No. 14 University of Florida, the FGCU swimming and diving team returns to competition at the Ohio State Invitational Nov. 17 through Nov. 19 at the McCorkle Aquatic Center. Preliminary events start at 11 a.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Finals events begin at 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and will conclude at 4 p.m. on Sunday. 

This is a very exciting time for our team,"  FGCU head coach Dave Rollins said. "This is our first chance to see how the team responds to a little bit of rest as well as competing against some of the top teams in the country. This meet will be an excellent test of our training so far this season and we are looking forward to some great performances."
 
SEASON OVERVIEW
Through five weeks of competition, the Green and Blue have posted a 3-1 dual-meet record, and 2-0 in the CCSA. Following a hard-fought defeat to the Gators two weeks ago, FGCU posted a No. 23 mid-major ranking according to collegeswimming.com. The Eagles kicked off their season with an impressive win against Rutgers, 199-116. They then traveled back to Jacksonville to claim wins over conference rivals UNF and Campbell in dominant fashion. 
 
CONFERENCE HONORS
The Eagles grabbed three weekly honors through five weeks of competition, including a sweep of the CCSA Swimmer and Diver of the Week awards on one occasion. Freshmen Rebecca Moynihan(Palmerston North, New Zealand/Waiopehu College) and Melissa Novak(Frederick, Md./Oakdale HS) claimed the title on Nov. 7, while Gracie Redding(Orlando, Fla./The First Academy) won the award back in the beginning of October.

Moynihan won the 100 free against No. 14 UF with her personal best and top CCSA time of 51:14, while Novak dove her way to an NCAA Zone Qualifying performance as she finished 1st in the 1-meter dive by over 40 points with a score of 290.55.

Redding's honor came after a top performance against Big Ten competitor Rutgers. The Orlando native secured individual wins in the 50 free (23.62) and 100 free (51.36), and then teamed up to claim victories in the 200 medley relay (1:44.98), 200 free relay (1:34.45) and 400 free relay (3:26.67).
 
THE COMPETITION
Of the 13 men's and women's swimming teams competing this weekend, four have ranked in the top 25. The Notre Dame men's team is ranked No. 18, while the women rank No. 16. NC State's women's program was given the No. 11 spot, while Kentucky ranks No. 22 after a strong performance this past week. This weekend will mark the second time this season the Eagles have competed against ranked opponents.
 
PARTICIPATING TEAMS

*Designates women's only competing
 
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Friday – Prelims at 11 a.m.; Finals at 6 p.m.
Saturday – Prelims at 10 a.m.; Finals at 6 p.m.
Sunday – Prelims at 10 a.m.; Finals at 4 p.m. 

The Ohio State University Invitational will observe the NCAA 3-Day Championship Meet Format from the 2015-16 NCAA Swimming and Diving Rule Book. There will be no preliminary heats of the relays.
 
Friday, Nov. 17
Prelims: 11 a.m. | Finals: 6 p.m.
200 Free Relay*
500 Free
200 IM
50 Free
400 Medley Relay*
1 meter Diving**
3 meter Diving**
 
Saturday, Nov. 18
Prelims: 10 a.m. | Finals: 6 p.m.
200 Medley Relay*
100 Butterfly
400 IM
200 Free
100 Breaststroke
100 Backstroke
800 Free Relay*
1 meter Diving**
3 meter Diving**
 
Sunday, Nov. 19
Prelims: 10 a.m. | Finals: 4 p.m.
1650 Free***
200 Backstroke
100 Free
200 Breaststroke
200 Butterfly
400 Free Relay*
Platform Diving**
 
* Timed finals event swum at Finals only
** Diving Prelims and Finals will begin 15 minutes after the start of Swimming events on Friday and Saturday. Platform (finals only) will begin at 1 p.m. on Sunday
*** 1650 start time is TBD, slowest to fastest (Fastest heat swum at finals)

FGCU will return to their Aquatics Complex in December squaring off against Northwestern on Dec. 17 and Toledo on Dec. 21.

IRMA RELIEF DONATIONS
In the wake of Hurricane Irma, many individuals and families throughout Southwest Florida are still in desperate need of assistance. To aid in those relief efforts, FGCU Athletics will be collecting donations at all Eagle home games for the immediate future. Donation items most needed include: non-perishable food, clothing, household items and first-aid supplies. Additionally, those unable to attend upcoming home games can drop off donations in canisters located in the Alico Arena lobby. All donations will be given to those hardest hit in Lee and Collier counties.
 
FOLLOW ALONG
For up-to-date coverage of FGCU women's swimming and diving, follow us on Twitter @FGCU_WSWIM and visit www.FGCUAthletics.com where full recaps and results will be available.
                                                                
HEAD COACH DAVE ROLLINS
In his first year with the program in 2016-17, head coach Dave Rollins led FGCU to its eighth CCSA Championship in a span of nine years and guided the Eagles 200 free relay team to All-American honors. FGCU registered points at the NCAA Championships for the fourth-straight season and ultimately turned in its third-best finish all-time (T-41st). Prior to FGCU, Rollins was the associate head men's swimming coach at Ohio State University and brought 10 years of coaching experience at the club, high school and collegiate levels. A standout collegiate athlete in his own right, Rollins was a nine-time NCAA All-American and national champion as a member of the University of Arizona swimming & diving team from 2002-06. 
 
SUPPORT THE CAUSE
FGCU Athletics sponsors events throughout the year to benefit the FGCU Campus Food Pantry (www.fgcu.edu/foodpantry) and the Harry Chapin Food Bank (www.harrychapinfoodbank.org), FGCU Athletics' charities of choice. For more information, including how to make a contribution, please visit www.fgcu.edu/foodpantry and utilize the hashtag #FeedFGCU to help raise awareness.