Both the NIU men’s and women’s swimming and diving squads open their 1988-89 campaigns on Friday.

The men host Loyola in a 6:30 p.m. Anderson Hall Pool meet, while the women head towards the University of Missouri for a 7:30 p.m. contest. On Saturday, the women’s squad competes at 1 p.m. at Northeast Missouri State.

“Of course I’d prefer to open the season at home because there are so many unknowns on the road, but I know the team is more than ready to get started,” said third-year NIU women’s boss Mike Burt. “I think this year we’re a stronger, better balanced team.”

The Huskies return 13 letterwinners from a 7-4 dual-meet team which finished the season second at the Midwest Independent Championship meet. The Huskies are led by senior tri-captains Beth Mendyke, Madolyn Scotty and Lynette Zeitz. The fourth senior returning is diver Susan Shaughnessy.

“I’m looking forward to the leadership of the three captains selected this season,” Burt said. “The work ethic of the entire returning class has been much better and stronger than last year at this time. The veterans have set a good atmosphere and attitude for the newcomers.”

Men’s coach Dave Clark is also pleased with the outlook of his squad.

“We’ve got better numbers on our side this year,” Clark said. “We have more state qualifiers, and our numbers in terms of depth are deeper, faster and more competitive.”

There are 18 lettermen back from last year’s 7-3 unit which finished fifth in the Midwest Independent Championships. Heading up the lettermen is sophomore Steve Sanders, who led NIU in points scored and earned Rookie of the Year honors. Also back are co-Most Improved Performers Tom South and Bill Zolna along with Workhorse Award winner Scott Anderson and Diver of the Year Mike Sprehe.

There are holes to fill, particularly wit the loss of 1987-88 MVP Mike Wheeler, who was also the co-MVP for the two previous campaigns.

“We’ve seen some times in our pre-season Cardinal-Black meet that compare with what we were doing in January last season,” Clark siad. “Of course we know most teams we face will be improved as well.”