Carbondale Reporter

The Southern Illinois University (SIU) Swimming and Diving team is set to make a significant appearance at the NCAA Championships, with swimmers Celia Pulido and Alex Santiago invited to compete. This marks the first time since 1992 that SIU will have representatives in both the men's and women's NCAA championships.

Southern Illinois stands out as one of only two mid-major programs to achieve this distinction. Head coach Geoff Hanson expressed confidence in his athletes, stating, "Celia and Alex will represent the Salukis very well on the national stage."

Celia Pulido will compete at the NCAA Women's Championship hosted in Athens, Georgia, from March 20th to March 23rd. Her invitation follows a remarkable performance at the Missouri Valley Conference Championship, where she broke multiple records in events including the 100 and 200-yard backstroke and the 100-yard butterfly. Pulido's achievements earned her the title of MVC Swimmer of the Year.

Hanson commented on Pulido's upcoming competition: "For Celia, in her second trip to the Championships she will look to move up from her seeding and potentially score points for SIU. After barely missing the cut last year I'm certain she is excited and motivated."

On the men's side, Alex Santiago will participate in Indianapolis, Indiana, from March 27th through March 30th. Santiago was recognized as Outstanding Swimmer of the Year at the Mid-American Conference Championship after setting records in both the 50 and 100-yard freestyle events.

Coach Hanson praised Santiago's progress: "The dramatic improvement that Alex has achieved since coming as an unrecruited walk-on three years ago has gotten him to highest level of college swimming but he's not just happy to be there! He also has potential to move up from his seeding for sure."

Fans can follow Celia Pulido's progress this week via Championship Central Page. Further information regarding Santiago's participation will be provided later.

Updates on SIU Swimming and Diving can be found on their social media platforms: Twitter (@SIU_SwimDive), Instagram (@SIU_SwimDive), and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/SIUSwimDive).