The home stand for the Penn State men's and women's swimming and diving team will come to an end today as the Nittany Lions host West Chester.

The Lions have had a long month of November with constant practice at a pace of around 20 hours a week, but Penn State swimming and diving coach Bill Dorenkott believes the hard work and dedication will pay off.

"It's a tough lifestyle," he said. "But we're getting better."

During the home stand the men's team (1-4) lost to No. 13 Texas A&M, and No.14 Washington, but won its first meet of the season on Friday against St. Bonaventure.

Penn State's men's swimming and diving last won two meets in a row when a win over West Chester late last season gave them three in a row.

The women (3-1) won both their meets against No. 21 Washington and St. Bonaventure.

Both West Chester's men's and women's teams are 2-0.

West Chester has been a powerhouse in Division II swimming and diving in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference for several years.

Last season the men won their fifth consecutive PSAC championship and came in fourth at the NCAA Division II Nationals. The women won their third consecutive PSAC championship and came in third at the NCAA Division II Championships.

The men and women Golden Rams' combined finish was the best in school history.

"West Chester has been year in and year out one of the top programs in Division II swimming," Dorenkott said. "They have a good coach and have a lot of experience."

- By Josh Kowalkowski