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29 T he University of Iowa swimming and diving team posted a pair of dual victories at Michigan State on Sept. 30 in a preview of what could be to come for the 2018-19 season. Marc Long is in his 15th season as the program's head coach and this year's schedule is as fierce as ever: the Hawkeyes host duals against Michigan, Denver, Wisconsin, and Northwestern. "We wanted to line against the best," said Long. "Denver will be in the top 25 and Michigan will be in the top 10 along with our other ranked opponents. e level of competition is high this year, but nothing I don't think our guys are ready for." Along with the exciting dual schedule, Iowa will host the Hawkeye Invitational and travel to the ACC/B1G Challenge (West Lafayette, Indiana) and Shamrock Invitational (South Bend, Indiana). e women will also attend the SMU Classic in Dallas. "e SMU Classic is a high-level meet, so it will be different for them to compete at that level with some Olympians," said Long. "It's a great chance for us to elevate ourselves and compete in a new environment." Only eight swimmers and one diver from each team will be allowed to compete at the SMU Classic. Over the past several years, the Hawkeyes have shied their recruiting philosophy with an emphasis on international recruiting. e 2018- 19 team features 11 international swimmers and divers. "For the level of competition in the NCAA, we look all over the world for the best talent and the best fit for our team," said Long. "e NCAA Championships are as hard as the Olympics to qualify for, so we are searching for the best and brightest for our team to compete at that level." at impact has been felt with NCAA qualifiers Jack Smith, Hannah Burvill, elma Strandberg, and Jayah Mathews, along with a young core of freshmen and sophomores looking to make a splash. Smith is one of four returning All- Americans along with Will Scott, Joe Myhre, and Matt Kamin. While the Hawkeyes have a strong core to build around, the team has hidden gems among its respective groups. "ere are a lot of swimmers who have the ability to breakout on every level," said Long. "ere is Ben Colin, who has a great story as an Iowa kid and his involvement on campus, to Mateusz Arndt, who is coming in and performing well in practice. He has high credentials at worlds. "Our job is to continue to focus on those stories. We need everyone in every position to be on top of their game." Along with Arndt, sophomore Daniel Swanepoel is making an early mark on the program. As a freshman, Swanepoel swam to the third-best time in the Iowa record book with a time of 53.74 in the 100-yard breaststroke. Development has been a central theme surrounding the Hawkeyes, forming their young cores into stars. e women are composed of a promising underclassmen group featuring Kelsey Drake, Lexi Horner, Mathews, and Sarah Schemmel. "ese athletes are coming on strong and embracing the training and program," said Long. "We're just waiting for them to blossom." OCTOBER SCHEDULE Oct. 12-13 at SMU Classic (W) Oct. 27 at Minnesota (M/W) Oct. 27 vs. South Dakota State (M/W)