The men’s swimming and diving team who are the two-time defending champions look to defend their conference title and set new records this coming weekend at the Midwest Conference Championships. The meet will begin on Friday, February 19 and continue to Sunday, February 21. Seniors, Kristofer Korth and Armel Cazedepats, share their thoughts heading into this exciting weekend.
Can you describe any rituals the team takes part in to prepare for a meet as big as MWC Championships?
Kris: Our team’s hair dyeing ritual and shaving process is a team bonding experience to excite us for the competition ahead. We shave our heads before leaving for conference because it’s something swimmers used to do before high tech caps were created. If we plan to shave it off, we might as well do something crazy with it.
Also, every year we have an alumni write us a letter describing what conference meant to them because they have been there. This is a great connection to the past. It’s what we look forward to the night before the big race. This motivates the team and brings us closer together knowing that we are swimming for more than just ourselves.
Armel: A tradition on the team is resting in everything we do, inside and outside of the water. Because of this rest, everyone becomes re-energized and a little bit happier. Other traditions include team dinners and movie nights. We spend a lot of time together because we want to be as tight as possible.
Heading into MWC Championships as returning two-year conference champions, what are your team’s goals and how do you plan to reach those?
K: The goal every year is to win conference. This can only happen by achieving smaller goals, by going best times and doing things you really didn’t think was possible. As a team we need to keep these goals in perspective, stay focused, and go all out.
A: The team went through a lot of heavy training in preparation for conference. We dove into a pool at 6:00 a.m. All throughout the season we have thought about what we do, and what our goals are. The main goal is to achieve the result you want from all the hard work that was put in.
As seniors on the team, you two are veterans on the pool deck - what kind of pressure do you face and how do you handle it?
K: As seniors we’re both leaders on the deck, and are expected to know what’s going on to be able to lead the team and meet our goals. In all, we have to stay focused and not get bothered by the little things. The team needs to have faith in our coaching staff and have faith in our training that it has got us to where we are and will push us to succeed.
A: There is a lot of mental pressure that may be challenging at times. Finishing something the right way is never easy. The way to do it is to lose yourself in the meet, and to turn the challenge into something positive to enjoy the experience. To do what you know how to do.
What are some words of wisdom for the freshmen competing next weekend?
K: To enjoy the experience not only at Conference, but to also enjoy their entire swimming careers. This meet is why we train. Why we get up at 5:30am. This is it. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be nervous. Go out and have fun and stay focused on the task at hand.
A: Four years goes by very fast and there are not many opportunities to get up and race. Get excited because it’s all new. Be naïve and don’t overthink your excitement. Just purely enjoy the excitement.