CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Fighting Illini swimming and diving team will host the seventh annual Splash Bash thisSaturday, Jan. 24, at the ARC when they host Nebraska. Splash Bash activities begin at 10 a.m., with swimming & diving action following at 11 a.m.
This year’s Splash Bash will feature the return of a number of the popular carnival games from last year’s event, as well as some Illinois swimming & diving prizes. New this year will be a craft table that will include a poster-making station that fans can use to help cheer on the Illini. There will also be free snacks. Admission and parking for the event are free.
In conjunction with Splash Bash, the Illinois swimming & diving team has decided to hold an art supply drive for the Illinois Children’s Hospital. The first 50 donations will receive an Illinois swim cap. Everyone who donates will also be entered to win an Illinois prize pack. The list of supplies the Illinois Children’s Hospital needs features art supplies (crayons, markers, etc.), googly eyes, pipe cleaners, Play-Doh, nail polish, body wash, soap and pre-made craft kits that include directions.
In the pool, the Illini will be facing their second consecutive Big Ten opponent in Nebraska. Last season, the Orange and Blue fell to the Huskers in Lincoln, 160-140. In the all-times series, Illinois holds a 4-3 edge against Nebraska.
“Nebraska is a good team and Saturday is going to be a very close meet,” said head coach Sue Novitsky. “We’re going to be in tight battles, so we need to maintain our calm, cool and collectiveness so we that we are able to step up and perform well.”