Sept. 30, 2010

Columbia, Mo. - The Mizzou swimming and diving teams will start their home season under first-year Head Coach Greg Rhodenbaugh on Saturday, Oct. 2, when they host the sixth annual Show-Me Showdown at the Mizzou Aquatic Center. The first session will begin at 11 a.m. and the second session will commence at 3 p.m. Admission to the meet is free.

The Tigers will host five other programs from around the state. Joining the Tigers at the Aquatic Center are Saint Louis University, Drury, Missouri S&T, Washington University (STL) and Lindenwood College. The meet has long served as a way to promote College Swimming across the state.

Both Mizzou's men's and women's teams have won the Showdown title in each of the past five years. This year the event will give Mizzou fans their first opportunity to see the new faces and new direction of the program.

Former Arizona lead assistant Greg Rhodenbaugh was named head coach in early May. Rhodenbaugh's prior experience includes helping the Wildcats to the 2008 men's and women's NCAA titles at Arizona, and he is eager to show the community his vision for the new program.

"For me, it's a great opportunity to meet and spend time with the other coaches from around the state," Rhodenbaugh said. "I'm also excited to see the swimmers on this team compete in a collegiate atmosphere."

After graduating one of the most successful senior classes in recent memory, the team brings in an equally exciting group of freshmen and transfer students.

"You can't replace senior leadership, so last year's seniors will be missed," he said. "But the seniors this year are a great, cohesive group that will do a fine job of leading a team, and the freshmen coming in, although there aren't many, make up a talented group that we are looking forward to watching mature quickly."

Fans who are eager for a sneak peak at the 2010-11 men's and women's teams are also welcome to attend the annual Black & Gold Intersquad Practice Meet, which will take place at the Mizzou Aquatic Center beginning at 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 1.

For more information on Mizzou Swimming & Diving, please visit our website at mutigers.com.

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