LEBANON, Ill. - McKendree University's swimming and diving programs are set to open the 2023-24 season on Friday, Oct. 6 at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Ill. The dual meet will serve as the first of the season for both SIU and McKendree.  

The Bearcats are coming off an impressive 2022-23 season for both the women's and men's team as McKendree qualified its highest number of swimmers for the NCAA Championships and earned its highest finish for the women's program (11th) as well as the men's program (3rd).  

Head coach Jimmy Tierney gears up for his ninth season at the helm for the Bearcats. "We are always excited to kick off our season at SIU against the Salukis," said Tierney. "They are a well-coached team and quite the challenge for us to start the season. We have had some tremendous battles these past few years." 

The Bearcats are preparing for several events in the month of October to start their season. Tierney adds, "It should be an exciting couple of weeks for the Bearcats. The week after SIU, we welcome SLU and Drury in a two-day affair at the McKendree Metro Rec Plex. Drury was national runner-up for the men last year and third for the women. They are annually an NCAA DII contender at the NCAA Championship. We are hoping for big support from our Bearcat fans Oct. 13-14. After a couple of weeks without a meet, we travel to UIndy to take on the men's 2023 NCAA Champions and women's runner up." 

Friday's meet will be streamed live on the SIU Recreation Center Facebook page.