After winning its final home meet of the season, the Penn State men's swimming and diving team hopes to continue moving forward as it takes on a Big East foe this weekend.

The Nittany Lions will compete at 1 p.m. tomorrow at Rutgers in an attempt to build more momentum as the Big Ten Championships quickly approach. Penn State men's swimming and diving coach Bill Dorenkott knows that this will be a competitive test for his team.

"This is a very well-coached Rutgers team," Dorenkott said. "[Coach] Chuck Warner has been around this sport for a long time. This is one of the best teams in the Big East."

This will be the first of three consecutive traveling weekends for the team. Senior co-captain Richard Kornacki, who competed in his last meet at McCoy Natatorium this past weekend, knows that the team must maintain focus after an emotional day for the seniors.

"For the rest of the season, we have to be focused in every meet," Kornacki said. "From here on out, it's just back to business and making sure we make the best out of every opportunity."

According to Dorenkott, the team's confidence is high, and the camaraderie is stronger than ever. Throughout practice this week, the Lions have shown great attention to detail in an attempt to increase the team's speed in the water.

"We've just got to keep getting faster," Dorenkott said. "I like the progress we are making, especially in the relays."

One of the most defining characteristics of this team has been its youth. With only four seniors, there were many questions coming into this season. But Dorenkott feels very confident in his young swimmers.

"Our freshmen are definitely starting to shine," Dorenkott said. "Pat Schirk, Ryan DeWeese and Tim Williams have had some great races in the last few meets."

Three straight weekends of traveling should put the team's youth to the test. Dorenkott hopes to see his team step up and perform on the road.

"We've got to get ready to rip," Dorenkott said. "I'm really looking forward to these next three weekends."