The State University of New York at New Paltz prepares for the Geneseo Invitational this Saturday at Erie Community College in Buffalo, NY. 

It's been a long year, but the Hawks have finally made it to taper season. The team is shifting gears from longer distances to shorter, more intense yardage. During taper, taking care of yourself outside of the pool is just as important as taking care of yourself inside the pool.

"Going into taper we're trying to fine tune what's important outside the pool like sleep and diet as well as what's important inside the pool such as our speed and efficiency." said SUNY New Paltz freshman Delilah Griger.

The Geneseo Invitational is a meet that the Hawks use to practice for the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) Championship. They get a chance to experience the long bus ride and race in the pool prior to the championship. SUNY New Paltz also gets a chance to see what the defending conference champions look like at this point in the season. Buffalo State will also be attending the Invitational which will add to the competitive atmosphere of the meet.

"The meet this weekend at Geneseo will benefit us greatly given that it's the same pool SUNYACS will be swam in," said Hawks sophomore Luke Gamboli. "It gives a chance to work on our walls, starts and get a feel for the pool and everything we've been working on during taper." 

SUNY New Paltz had a great team win against SUNY Oneonta last Saturday and will be trying to replicate that same energy when it travels to Buffalo. The Hawks beat the Red Dragons on both the men's and the women's side. Freshman Zac Brown and senior Chelsea Angulas had a standout meet allowing them to receive nominations for New Paltz athlete of the week.

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