Two LSU swimming and diving teams, two different places to end the season. The LSU swimming and diving teams will finish the dual meet season apart this weekend. The women are in Texas today to take on Houston, while the men will host the University of New Orleans in their final home meet of the season. Both teams will face their respective opponents at 5 p.m. tonight, followed by an 11 a.m. meet on Saturday morning. The women will face Rice on Saturday, while the men will complete their meet against UNO. Junior James Meyers said the men’s meet is spread over two days so the swimmers can compete in more events. The goal is for everyone to participate in all of the events that will take place at the Southeastern Conference Championship meet. ‘We have the opportunity to swim more events,’ Meyers said. ‘The coaches wanted to see what some guys can do.’ Meyers said the meet this weekend is a chance for some swimmers to evaluate how far they’ve come after a season of training. ‘This meet’s good for the guys who aren’t going to conference to see where they’re at,’ Meyers said. ‘Some of the guys are resting for this meet to see how fast they can go.’ LSU coach Adam Schmitt said the meet is an opportunity for the coaches to make final adjustments for the SEC Championship Meet. ‘We’ll get to learn a little more about our athletes and which events they may potentially swim at SECs, and we will work on fine-tuning some things in preparation for the conference meet,’ Schmitt said in a news release. The men’s team last competed against UNO on Nov. 13, which they won, 204-94. The women’s team has not competed against Rice or Houston yet this season. Freshman Amanda Kendall said the teams are starting to prepare for the SEC Championships, held Feb. 17 through Feb. 20. The team is in the process of tapering, where the swimmers rest their bodies as much as possible while still practicing daily. Kendall said the time spent in the weight room was gradually phased out. ‘We’re actually almost done with the weight room,’ Kendall said. ‘It’s kind of exciting because it’s just showing that SECs are right around the corner and it’s time to start getting serious.’ The team is working on precision and relay starts in preparation for not only the SEC championships, but also the NCAA Championships. ‘Relays are where we’re going to make it to NCAAs, so we really have to get that down pat,’ said freshman Lee Duggins. Meyers said tapering is already having a positive effect on some swimmers. ‘We’re starting to feel like we have a little bit more energy,’ Meyers said. ‘It’s really weird when you taper, because your body starts feeling different. You don’t feel as tired during the day.’ Beyond the SEC Championships, Meyers said the season long goal of many swimmers is to make it to the NCAAs. ‘That’s really the meet that everyone really wants to make,’ Meyers said. It’s a goal of mine. We can bring a pretty big group this year. It’s exciting.’ —- Contact Katherine Terrell at [email protected]