As the rest of the Penn State student body began to unwind and relax from the grueling week finals had provided them, the Penn State men's swimming and diving team prepared for its annual training trip to the pools of South Florida.

True, it might not be hard to find too many Penn State students that would trade their visits home to frigid Philadelphia, Pittsburgh or New York City for the sun of Fort Lauderdale. But make no doubt about it, this was a working trip.

Practices and meets took place twice a day. Sometimes beside Big Ten rival Ohio State, sometimes outside in the, at times, 30 degree Florida night air. It helped the team prepare for the remainder of this season. Day trips to the beach helped the team become even more a solid, cohesive unit.

But, as all things do, the trip ended and the Nittany Lions headed home to enjoy their holiday season. Fast-forward two weeks to today, when the Lions host their first home meet since their Nov. 11 victory over the Miami of Ohio Redhawks, 148-92.

Penn State faces intrastate rival and No. 15 Pittsburgh. The Panthers come into the meet with a 3-1 record in meets, as well as a strong showing at the Nike Cup Invitational. The Lions are tied for the No. 23 ranking in the latest Speedo America's College Swimming Coaches Association of America Poll.

Penn State can expect what coach Peter Brown calls Penn State's toughest challenge to date in Pittsburgh, which features top 20 swimmers in both the 100 and 200 yard backstroke, as well as the 50 and 100 meter freestyle.

Pittsburgh features top 20 swimmers nationally in these events in Steve Siler, Kenny Shelhorse and Mike Grube. The Panthers also have 200, 400 and 800-meter freestyle relay teams ranked in the nation's top 10.

Brown later added that it is important not to place too much emphasis on dual meets. He said they are stepping stones, and he hopes to kick off the second half of the season, "when things really start to matter."

In addition to the competition, the meet will feature ceremonies to honor Penn State's 10 graduating seniors. Chris Alderman, Shaun Anderson, Chris Bagley, Jeffrey Harrison, Steve Hodgins, Brian Hostetler, Brian McKenna, Joe Peresan, John Retrum and Hogan Thomas will be swimming in their final meet at McCoy Natatorium.

"They're a special group," Brown said. "The last home meet has always produced well for us, we've always finished the home slate strong.

"We're going to need a concerted team effort. We have the personnel to meet the challenges the present us. Some individuals have to step forward and be leaders."

Last season, Penn State defeated Pitt 148-89 last season, and is 2-0 in dual meets this season. Penn State's next meet will take them to Ann Arbor, Mich., to face Big Ten powerhouse Michigan.