Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Salukis' Trip To Kansas Swimming Meet Cancelled
09/25/2003 | 12:00:00 | Swimming & Diving
Sept. 25, 2003
By Josh Magill
www.SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. - The first meet for the Saluki women's swimming and diving team against Kansas this Friday was cancelled Thursday afternoon because of pool and weather restraints.
The cancellation came because of issues surrounding the pool at KU's Robinson Natatorium. The pool was unable to be filled with water, and no other venues, including high school pools, were available to accommodate the collegiate swimming event.
The open water race, which was to be held Saturday morning, was also cancelled because of low water temperatures. The Lawrence, Kan. area has seen tempertures drop over the last week causing the lake water to cool to near 60 degrees.
SIU women's head coach Jeff Goelz said he discussed the situation with Jayhawks head coach, Clark Campbell, and together decided to call off the meet.
"I can't justify driving such a long way for a small amount of swimming (in a cold lake) that could possibly get some of the athletes sick," said Goelz. "It's really nobody's fault we can't swim, sometimes that's just how things work out."
Goelz says the Kansas squad plans to make the cancellation up to SIU by heading to Carbondale next season during the same corresponding week. The Salukis will now start off the season at home against Lincoln College (Ill.) on Oct. 18. The meet will be held at the Student Rec. Center pool.
