JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Returning from Christmas break, Carson-Newman kicks off the second half of the season with a trip to the McAuley Aquatic Center in Atlanta, Ga. on Wednesday, Jan. 7th beginning at 12pm to face off against Georgia Tech and Auburn. 

"The biggest thing that we wanted them to focus on over the break was staying in shape," said head coach Ben Young. "Staying in the pool, getting in the water. A lot of them went home and trained with their club teams as well as their local pools. The main thing was for the team to stay moving and active during the time off. A massive focus was put on spending time with family and friends and enjoying being away from campus, and I think that it is important to take that time during the holidays."

This week's trip to Atlanta will mark the Eagles third consecutive trip to Georgia Tech where the team competes against multiple Division I programs. Carson-Newman will take on the Georgia Tech Yellowjackets and the Auburn Tigers this Wednesday. 

"The message to the team entering this meet is that times don't lie," said Young. "We know that the other teams are bringing their full rosters and we know that we are bringing a travel squad so the biggest thing is getting in and racing and having fun doing so. This will be a really good experience for the team to go against teams like Georgia Tech and Auburn. The emphasis is not hitting personal bests…and we need to see what the pulse of the team is after the break."

After the release of the College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA), Georgia Tech men's squad currently sits at 21st and Auburn's men's team ranked 14th and the women's ranked 19th in the coaches poll. View CSCAA Poll HERE.

"Having a good meet, being professional in our approach and ensuring that we get our bodies ready to race along with the effort is super important," Young said. " A solid performance and good mid-season meet where the atmosphere is good can really help carry us into senior night."

The Eagles return home after their road trip to Georgia Tech for Senior Night on Friday, Jan. 17th beginning at 6pm in the Maddox Student Activities Center. 

Keep up with all things Eagles Swimming by visiting CNeagles.com.