HONOLULU – The University of Hawai`i men's and women's swimming and diving teams open up the 2009 season at the Duke Kahanamoku Aquatic Complex beginning with the Hawai`i Diving Invitational on Jan. 7. The swimming teams open competition against Wisconsin on Jan. 10.

 

The diving teams host the first of two diving competitions, within the next two weeks, with the two-day event being held Jan. 7 and 8.

 

The swimming teams host Wisconsin in a dual meet on Jan. 10. The women's team will take on Boise State following that on Jan. 11 and the men's team will face Minnesota on Jan. 11. The meet begins at 3 p.m. on Saturday and 12 p.m. on Sunday.

 

Both the men's and women's teams will be competing in their first dual meets of the season. The men will host Wisconsin and Minnesota, while the women will host Wisconsin and Boise State. Last year the men finished 2-1 in dual meets, including a loss to Wisconsin 181.5-117.5. The women finished 0-4 in dual meets, including a 183.0-107.0 loss to Wisconsin.

 

After diving at the Anteater Shootout and the Texas Diving Invitational, the men and women will host their first event of 2009 with the Hawai`i Diving Invitational. Following the Hawai`i Diving Invitational, UH will host the Rainbow Diving Invitational, Jan. 16 and 17.

 

Senior Elliko Heimbach has swum some of the fastest times compared to WAC competition so far this season. Heimbach has the second fastest 200 free time and the third fastest 50 free and 100 butterfly. Heimbach finished second in the 200 butterfly at the WAC championships last season.

 

Senior Nicola Xella has led the way through the first two meets for UH. Xella has been swimming well in the 100 and 200 breaststroke and 200 IM. Xella's top time in the 100 breaststroke is 54.88, his top time in the 200 is 2:01.64 and his top time in the 200 IM is 1:53.32.