Cougar alumni strut their skills, and more, in competing against current BYU swimmers.

Swim coach Tim Powers thinks families of former BYU swimmers will enjoy how their spouses and parents have aged.

"Their families get to see where their parents swam and see dad in a Speedo," Powers said.

The annual Alumni Meet starts at 6 p.m. in the RB Swimming Pool. Admission is free and the public is encouraged to come.

"The alumni meet is to have fun and enjoy the alumni participation," Powers said.

Alums will compete in events like the 50-yard races of each stroke, relays and the 500-meter free. There will be women's and men's events with everyone, including the current BYU team, being split into two teams. The true colors of all athletes will come out and alumni will see if they still have the skills it takes to compete.

"We usually have a really good turnout with alumni guys, but not very many female alumni show up," Powers said.

It is a low-key and laid-back event hosted every Homecoming week as a tradition.

"I couldn't even tell you how long we have been doing the meet," Powers said. "We've been doing it a long time."

Alumni get to reminisce on memories from their years as Cougar swimmers, including former athletes Kurt Dickson, who recently swam around Alcatraz; and Richard Barnes, who swam the English Channel. All-Americans Brett Allen and Jorge Azevedo will be participating in the festivities. Powers will start each meet and it is expected to last an hour and a half.

"The meet keeps the alumni involved in our program," Powers said. "It's fun to have alumni come back and see old friends."

Copyright Brigham Young University 10 Oct 2008