As many students are preparing for midterm exams, the Grand Valley State University men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams are preparing to open the 2011-2012 season this weekend.

Coming off their annual Blue and White Intrasquad meet last weekend, both teams will travel to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee this weekend to face off against Division I competition in a meet that will allow each team to use experience as a first measuring stick

Following consecutive top 10 finishes at the NCAA Division II National Championships during the past two years, this season’s teams are expecting nothing less with dedicated captains.

“The team comes first to our captains,” said GVSU head coach Andy Boyce. “They have really grown over their four years here allowing them to create the team atmosphere we need to be our best.”

Last year, a group of close-knit seniors led both the men and women’s teams to second-place GLIAC finishes.

In the past fours years, the men’s and women’s teams have combined to break 32 school records, and this season they are making an effort to break the two waiting to be re-written.

“The main focus is to build on the little things,” said senior captain Lauren Dorsey. “Making sure everyone is getting healthy and injuries are taken care we will have the potential to re-write all of the record board this year.”

The seniors won’t be able to accomplish this feat alone leaving a good amount of work for underclassman, said senior captain Carly Bush.

“It’s not just seniors taking control,” she said. “We have guys and girls from every class stepping up making sure to motivate everyone. All of our heads are in the right place this year.”

From start to finish, the season spans six months, including three days per week of early morning practices and five days per week of afternoon swims. The teams’ only break comes with a mid-season trip to Florida for their annual training trip.

“We have such a strong core top to bottom,” said senior captain Sam Soukop. “We know what it’s like to get through the year. It allows us as seniors to lead by example and not by voice.”

As Saturday approaches, Boyce said he hopes to see the team’s potential come full circle, showing students and fans that they are national contenders.

“We are just a step away from being recognized as a national sport at Grand Valley,” Soukop said. “Through out my four years on the team I can say that I am proud to be a part of this program we have built.”

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