Pioneer Classic Information

GRINNELL, Iowa - It's been nearly two years since Grinnell College's swimming and diving teams have hosted a major meet.

But that all changes this weekend when Grinnell hosts 11 other teams for the annual Pioneer Classic. Action at Russell K. Osgood Pool begins with the 200-yard freestyle relay at 5:30 p.m. Friday. 

There will be 12 events contested that evening - six women's events and six on the men's side - before action resumes at 9 a.m. Saturday with the 200 medley relay. That session includes 18 events before giving way to final session at 5 p.m. that day, beginning with the 100 individual medley. Twelve events are slated for the last session.

Besides Grinnell, other teams in the field are Carleton College, Illinois College, Gustavus Adolphus College, Knox College, Lawrence University, Monmouth College, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Principia College and Simpson College. Washington Univesity in St. Louis will have only divers at the meet. 

Gustavus Adolphus appears to be the team to beat, as the Gustie women are ranked 19th nationally in the initial College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) poll and 25th on the men's side.

In 2019, the last time the meet was contested, Gustavus Adolphus won the men's title with 1,630 points while Grinnell was second with 1,109 and Carleton third at 790.5. Carleton edged Gustavus Adolphus 1,360-1,357.5 for the women's title in 2019 and Grinnell placed third with 986.5.