Swimmers have the tools for success

In the coach's office on the deck level of the Goodyear Pool sits a toolbox. It is filled with note cards, scribbled in a myriad of different styles; some are stained with chlorine-infused water drops, others are messily creased down the middle.

This is the swim team's box of tools for success. Encouraged by their head coach, team members are encouraged to write down a fundamental rule for swimming, according to the assistant coach. From these ‘tools,' the team builds a house, a solid structure of swimming success.

"Anything that they learned in practice or in meetings can be put in the box," said Assistant Coach Michelle Patrick.

This year the team is already looking ahead to both the New England Intercollegiate Swimming and Diving Association (NEISDA) championships and Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) championships in late February.

The team is using the lessons from the toolbox to prepare all year long, said team captain Kevin Weber, a 21-year old senior biology major from Stephentown, N.Y.

"I'm really looking for us to place in the top three this year, and hopefully break a few records as a team," Weber said.

Felicia Jones, 21, a senior biology major from Sherburne, N.Y., and women's team captain, agreed. "I'm hoping that we can just get more people qualifying for the finals at New England's," said Jones. "We've had about one or two females qualify the last few years, and this year, I hope it's more."

Both the men and women's teams placed in the top four at the NEISDA championships.

The team is preparing for a month of home meets, starting against SUNY Potsdam on Nov. 5.

"Right now we're setting our aerobic base, and starting to add in some more anaerobic work, and stroke work," said Head Coach Laura Dunn.

The teams just started its double practices twice a week, in order to begin preparation for meet season, which runs from early November to late February.

For the seniors on the team, this year is a chance to make one final push for best times, pool records and better overall technique.

"I'd like to get on the record board," Weber said, "but other than that, I want to make this team a really well-knit team, and prepare for the culminating event, which is New England's."

For senior Janice Knoop, 21, a senior electrical engineering major from Cicero, N.Y., senior year is all about the team. "I want to do the best I can, and help the underclassmen achieve their own goals as well."

"I want to make finals at New England's this year," Jones said. "I've qualified every year, but I've never actually made finals."

However, goals are not just for the soon-to-graduate. "I want to break a minute in the 100 (my event), and to just overall improve my stroke, especially the breaststroke," said Adam Vaughn, 19, from Glendale, Ariz., a sophomore English major.

Dunn's list of goals and expectations are synonymous. "On the women's side, I just want us to stay competitive, since we've moved up in the ranks in GNAC's and NEISDA rankings. And for the men, they had an outstanding year last year, and so being able to top it for sure. They should be able to break a few school records as well," she said.