INDIANAPOLIS – The IUPUI men's and women's swimming and diving teams return to action this weekend after more than a month away from the pool when it hosts Saint Louis, Xavier, and Western Illinois on Friday, Jan. 20, at the IU Natatorium, before traveling to Eastern Illinois for a dual meet on Saturday, Jan. 21.

"I think Friday's meet will be a really competitive meet, especially on the women's side," said head coach Matt Bos. "On Saturday, it will be a real good battle with Eastern Illinois and most races could go either way and it's going to come down to who wins those close races."

During the lay-off, the team participated in a training session down in Panama City Beach, Fla., but Bos says one of two things can happen during such a long break from competition.

"On one hand when you don't compete for a lengthy amount of time, sometimes you worry about [the athletes] being a little rusty and not being sharp in their races, but on the other hand I think it builds excitement because I feel like people are ready to race and compete," Bos said.

Regardless, with the Summit League Championships less than a month away, Bos said the upcoming series of meets will allow his athletes to improve their times in non-primary events and compete for positions on the relay squads.

"We are going out there trying to win all of these meets, but it's also a balancing act as our ultimate goal is to be prepared and rested for the Summit League Championships in a few weeks," Bos added.

Friday's quad-meet against Saint Louis, Xavier, and Western Illinois will begin at 6 p.m., while Saturday's meet against EIU in Charleston, Ill., is set to begin at Noon ET.