By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- The Willamette University Bearcats will begin competing in swimming this weekend after the Northwest Conference schedule was significantly impacted by COVID-19 protocols limiting indoor activities. No meets were held during the traditional early part of the season in November and December. Willamette will swim in dual meet at George Fox University on Saturday, March 6 at 11 a.m. (PST) in Newberg, Oregon. Current protocols will be followed, and all of the women's events will be held first, followed by all of the men's events.

For the Bearcats and Head Coach Brent Summers, it's great to be able to compete for the first time since February of 2020. Even so, Willamette's number of competitors will be lower than in the past, as some student-athletes have opted out of competition this spring.

"My focus with meets will be to get us racing and having fun," Summers said. "It's been quite a while since most of the team have raced in a meet so I want to make sure we use the opportunities for fun while getting back into the racing mindset.

"With a shortened season, our focus will be on improving what we can right now in the moment," Summers added. "Normally, we are looking long-term at improvement but for this unique season I want us focusing on what we can most immediately control."

One thing that has Summers anticipating this weekend's meet at GFU is the chance for him to see Willamette's first-year swimmers compete for the first time as Bearcats. He'll also have the chance to see returning swimmers competing in their specialized events.

"Ultimately, I would like our spring season to be a launching pad for us into the 2021-22 season. Whatever we do this spring will be great and we'll use that to move forward with next season," Summers commented. "Finally we will celebrate our seniors for their accomplishment of finishing their Bearcat career and all they have given to our program during their time on the team."