Discover the Excitement: Southern Illinois Salukis Athletics Hub

CARBONDALE, Ill. – An eventful weekend awaits for Southern Illinois swimming and diving. On Friday, the team will head to Little Rock where the women’s squad will compete against Little Rock and Henderson State, while the men’s team faces Henderson State. Then, on Saturday, the Salukis will return home for the first time since November to host Eastern Illinois for Senior Day.

Details – Friday @ Little Rock
-What: Little Rock/Henderson State Meet
-Date: Friday, Jan. 17
-Time: 12 p.m.
-Location: Donaghey Athletic Center, Little Rock, Arkansas
-Opponents: Henderson State | Little Rock (Women’s)
-Live Results: Meet Mobile App
-Livestream: Little Rock Swimming & Diving Facebook

Details – Saturday vs. Eastern Illinois
-What: Eastern Illinois Meet / SIU Senior Day
-Date: Saturday, Jan. 18
-Time: 11 a.m. (Senior Day Ceremony @ 11:45 a.m.)
-Location: Shea Natatorium, Carbondale
-Opponents: Eastern Illinois
-Live Results: Meet Mobile App
-Livestream: SIU Student Recreation Center Facebook

Coach’s Remarks
“We are excited to face two more formidable teams on Friday,” stated head coach Geoff Hanson. “The Little Rock women are likely the most improved team in the Missouri Valley Conference and will present a solid challenge for our women in numerous events, and Henderson State consistently has standout athletes in Division II. Additionally, this will offer another opportunity to compete away from home and aid us in managing challenges as we approach championship season.”

Previous Competitions
Southern Illinois last competed this past Friday at the Indiana State Tri-Meet. The men’s team achieved victories over UIndy and Ball State, while the women’s team overtook UIndy and Indiana State.

The Salukis secured 42 podium placements throughout the day’s 32 events, with 18 gold medals awarded to Southern Illinois competitors. Olivia Herron, Alex Santiago, Celia Pulido, and Susanna Hernandez spearheaded efforts for SIU, each earning four first-place honors.

This past Wednesday, Santiago and Pulido received accolades for their performances on Friday, being recognized as the Missouri Valley Conference’s Men’s and Women’s Swimmers of the Week, respectively.

  

Saluki to Watch – Celia Pulido (Sr. / Backstroke & Butterfly)

Pulido was honored as the Women’s Swimmer of the Week for the MVC following her impressive display at Indiana State, where she captured four gold medals. Individually, Pulido secured first place in the women’s 100-yard backstroke with her time of 54.85 and topped the podium again in the women’s 200-yard backstroke; her 200-yard backstroke time of 1:58.54 was more than three seconds ahead of the event’s runner-up. During relay events, Pulido participated in the victorious women’s 200-yard medley team. She concluded her day by anchoring the 400-yard freestyle relay “A” team, which claimed first place with their performance of 3:23.87.

 

Follow the Salukis

Stay updated on all the latest happenings and details about the swim and dive teams by following them on X at @SIU_SwimDive, on Instagram at @siu_swimdive, and on Facebook at facebook.com/SIUSwimDive. Fans can also get the “Salukis” Mobile App on the App Store or Google Play Store.