KEENE, N.H. 2/713 - Hoping to get a jump on the storm that's expected to hit the area, Keene State College swim teams left at noon on Thursday for the New England Interscholastic Swimming and Diving Association Championships (NEISDA) that take place this weekend (Fri.-Sun.) at the Upper Valley Aquatics Center in White River Junction, Vt. 

The Owls also are also looking to get a jump on the competition and win back both men's and women's titles.  “I think we're in a good position to win both championships,” said KSC Coach Jack Fabian.  “We're ranked pretty well in almost all the events and everyone is really focused on the meet.”

“I definitely think we can win it,” said sophomore Diana Pimer. “We had really great dual meet season, so we're very confident.” 

“We're looking good. Everyone is swimming fast, so we're pretty excited,” said junior Drew Ledwith. 

The Keene State women will be looking to capture their fifth NEISDA crown.  The Owls claimed their first title in 2001 and won three consecutive championships from 2008-10. 

The Owl men's team hopes to return to Keene with its fourth NEISDA championship.  Keene State won three straight titles form 2009-11.

Bentley University, which has won the women's championships the past two seasons and the 2012 men's title, won't be competing in this year's meet.  “It definitely changes the dynamics of the meet,” said Fabian. 

According to Fabian, the NEISDA wants their championship to be just a Division III meet.  Division II schools like Bentley and Assumption that provide athletic scholarships were not permitted to compete.

Last season, the Bentley men's team edged the Owls 885.5-875 while the Falcons defeated the KSC women 1,552.5-1358.

Several KSC swimmers have different feelings on Bentley's omission from the meet “It will be a different meet.  We'll be racing the clock rather than other swimmers,” said Ledwith.

“I don't think it will make much of a difference on how we swim,” said Pimer. “We still need to race against whoever is in the lane next to us, no matter where they are from”. 

“Bentley was pretty dominant, but they'll be some teams with some strong swimmers at the meet,” said Fabian. 

The Owls appear to have all the events covered.  Sophomore Julie Trodden and Ledwith should dominate the distance races, junior Jared Hyde is a top competitor in the individual medley, Pimer is a prime entrant in the breast stroke and freshman Greg Younstrom and Alison Bartlett should shine in the sprints. Keene State should also score well in multiple relay races. 

The meet has added significance for many Owl swimmers looking to get or improve on their NCAA Championship qualifying times. “I want to get an' A' cut in the 200 IM and want our freestyle relays to do well,” said Hyde. 

“I have a 'B' cut in the 200 breast, so that will be my main focus,” said Pimer. “I'm going to try to be more relaxed and not put as much pressure on myself as I did last year.  Hopefully it will all come together. “ 

Last year, Keene State won a combined 20 races, set 10 school records, established six meet marks and posted NCAA Championship qualifying times in nine events at the meet. 

“They take the meet really seriously.  I think they're going to put everything they got into it, said Fabian.  “They know what to expect and what we need them to do.  Hopefully they can put that together and swim well.”

The diving competition of the championships will be held Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 16-17 at Plymouth State University.