GRAND FORKS, N.D. - University of North Dakota head women's and men's swimming and diving coach Steve Parsons announced today the addition of the Minnesota Challenge to the 2011 competition list. Hosted by the University of Minnesota, the Minnesota Challenge will be held Feb. 4-5 at the University Aquatic Center in Minneapolis, Minn.

"The Minnesota Challenge is a very competitive meet," said Parsons. "The swimmers and divers who will be attending this meet will definitely have the opportunity to compete in one the best facilities in the country. 

"It is also great for our team to have the opportunity to compete against Minnesota swimmers and divers once again.  Hopefully, this will open doors to more meetings in the future."

The current list of participating teams includes: Minnesota, Illinois, St. Olaf, Minnesota State, North Dakota, Gustavus Adolphus, South Dakota State, Carleton College, St. Thomas, UW-Stevens Point, St. Cloud State, Minnesota-Morris, Augsburg College, and Morningside College.

This is the first time the Fighting Sioux have competed in the Minnesota Challenge since the 2006-07 season.

After a full month away from competition, UND will return to the pool to take on Howard on Sunday, Jan. 2 and Shippensburg on Thursday, Jan. 6. Both events will take place in Ft. Myers, Fla.

- Go Sioux -