The ASU men's and women's swimming and diving teams will get off the blocks for their first meet this year when they travel to Hawaii this weekend.
While coach Michael Chasson will be missing some swimmers this weekend, he still expects success.
"Some of our best men will not be attending because they can't miss school, thus it will a challenge for us to win the men's meet," said Chasson, who is entering his 10th season with ASU. "Our trip this weekend is a combination of training and competition."
Though the men's team will not be complete this weekend, the women's squad is at full strength and has high hopes in the islands.
"Our women should be in good position to win the women's meet," Chasson said.
The swimming team is getting off to an unusually early start and that might be problematic as far as results are concerned.
"This is the earliest we have had a dual meet in at least 10 years," Chasson said.
While a trip to Hawaii is a change from the temperatures in Arizona, the Sun Devils shouldn't take the meet against Hawaii lightly, Chasson said.
"Hawaii has a strong men's team and some good female swimmers," he said.
The season is starting after several weeks of two-a-day practices.
"It's tough balancing school with 5 a.m. workouts and secondary training in the afternoons," junior swimmer Sean Boyle said.
Reach the reporter at: russell.brooks@asu.edu.