Swimming team makes a splash

The Norwich men's swimming team is ready to bounce back from a tough season last year with "higher expectations" and "dedication," according to the captain of the team. With a winning meet last week, the team seems on its way.

"Our goal this year is to swim hard while tired and give 110 percent every time we hit the water," said Captain Kevin Weber, a 20-year-old junior biology major from Stephentown, N.Y.

"Everyone has to support each other not only when swimming, but also in the classroom; we all need to keep our academics in good shape to stay swimming in order to be successful," said Weber.

The team lost its opening meet at SUNY Potsdam, 201-80, but won its second meet 192-78.

"The first meet went pretty well, some people got their personal best times, and everyone was in support of one another. It was a good stepping stone to see how the rest of the season is going to pan out," said Weber.

Derek Mullen, a 20-year-old sophomore nursing major from Farmington, Conn., said, "The first meet went well, a few swimmers qualified for the New England meet, and our ultimate goal as a team is to all qualify for the New England meet."

"It was awesome to see how hard we pushed through our tiredness to the very end of each race," said Mullen.

"The meet didn't necessarily go as we planned, but overall it was a good start for our season," said Mullen.

In its second meet, against Colby-Sawyer College, the Cadets came in first in every race.

David Rhoden, a 19-year-old sophomore communications major from Farmington, Conn., said, "This year's team has a stronger focus and a stronger interest than last year's squad had."

"We currently do not have a diving coach for our team, but we are training ourselves really hard and I am very surprised about the work and time we are putting in," said Rhoden.

Both Mullen and Weber agreed the swimmers need to be "getting off the walls much quicker and much faster.

"We are preparing to not breathe off the walls and get a better push off it as well," said Weber.

"I am excited for the rest of the season, and we are highly motivated to bounce back from last year with a more positive record," said Weber.