LAS CRUCES, N.M. – New Mexico State swimming and diving will open its 2016-17 schedule at home against Western Athletic Conference foe Grand Canyon and UT Permian Basin on Saturday. The meet is scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m. at the NM State Swimming and Diving Complex.
 
"Our team has been working hard, and our fitness level and technique are in a strong place," said head coach Rick Pratt. "The intensity in our practices has been increasing a lot recently, and it will be interesting to see how they respond to that. It's hard to believe that half the semester academically is over, and despite having such a large new group, they've been managing their stress and the grind really well. It is exciting to finally have a meet, and the next three weeks are going to be a great test with three meets in a row. With so many new athletes having their first collegiate dual meet, we're going to have to manage our nerves. To start with GCU, who is a very strong WAC opponent, will be a great test to start the dual meet season. They have many fast swimmers, and a handful of new ones who will also be having their first meet. We're not quite sure what to expect, except that they're going to give us a great experience. For us to be successful, we need to manage our emotions, have great spirit and compete with the same energy we've had in practice. There should be some close races, and that will be a fun to see how we respond."
 
The meet will consist of 16 events, and include the 50 free, 100 free, 200 free, 500 free, 100 back, 200 back, 100 breast, 200 breast, 100 fly, 200 fly, 200 IM, 1m dive, 3m dive, 200 medley relay and 400 free relay.
 
Last season, the Aggies defeated the Lopes 150.50-148.50 in Phoenix. At the 2016 WAC Championships, NM State finished in second with 448 points, just ahead of GCU with 466.5 points.