The St. Gregory's women's and men's swim teams hit the pool Thursday, kicking off their 2016-17 seasons in Shawnee. The Cavaliers will take part in an outdoor meet that features SGU, Oklahoma Baptist, Tabor (Kan.) and University of the Ozarks (Ark.) at the Shawnee Splash Park. The event is slated for 3 p.m.

Optimism surrounds both programs, each of which return qualifiers from last season's NAIA Swimming & Diving National Championships in Columbus, Ga. The Cavaliers set 12 school records and advanced to the finals in six events at the national meet.

"I'm really excited about this season," said second-year coach Johnny Hunter. "We are looking to build on what we accomplished last year with a solid group of returners to go along with some freshmen who will contribute immediately. I have high expectations for this group."

SGU is scheduled for eight meets through February in preparation for the 2017 NAIA Swimming & Diving National Championships, which will be held March 1-4 in Columbus, Ga.