The Binghamton men’s swimmers (7-2) are exuding confidence as they head into tomorrow’s meet against Colgate. Coming off of an intense winter training program, the Bearcats are looking to finish out their season undefeated in conference play, while focusing primarily on championships.
“The training trip stretched our limits beyond what we thought we were capable of,” said freshman Sean Lorenz. The Florida trip was not all fun and games: on top of a 4:45 a.m. wake-up call, 40-degree practice conditions and double sessions, assistant coach Sean Clark stood on deck in shorts and a T-shirt trying to fake the warmth.
“It’s really hard to enjoy the beach when all we wanted to do was sleep,” said sophomore Dylan Von Hobe. “Short-term it was bad because it just broke down our bodies, which was the purpose,” he said, elaborating on the grueling “vacation” the team endured during their time in Florida. “But in the long run it’ll prepare us better for champs, and that is our main goal.”
When Binghamton faced off against Colgate at last year’s meet, a victory was squeaked out only in the final relay.
“Last year we beat them, but it came down to the last relay — this year shouldn’t be as close,” said junior Dave Holmes. “They have a couple of good swimmers, but we have more depth than last year, so we are expecting a win.”
The Binghamton men’s roster has undergone some drastic changes since last year. The addition of eight freshman has boosted the program, as these motivated and competitive swimmers constantly test each other.
“Individual to individual there was competition,” said freshman Mike Popper. “We race next to each other every time. You find somebody that pushes you, it’s competitive, but it does not get between the team. We just want to push each other harder.”
And while the team isn’t overlooking the competition they will face the next two weekends, they are looking ahead to their ultimate goal at champs.
“We take each meet as it comes, and we just try to do our best,” Hobe said. “We know at champs we’ll be unstoppable because we’ll be done with taper and in the best shape.”
The women’s team is focused on champs as well, and isn’t as concerned with getting a win against Colgate.
“It’ll be a great meet for them to swim some conference events and prepare for that, but we’re not looking to win against Colgate this year,” said head coach Patrice Back.
Both teams will be more than physically primed for champs: their training has also mentally prepared them for their ultimate goals.
“I think a huge part of swimming is mental,” Hobe said. “If you believe that you have worked your ass off all semester long then you will not fail.”
Tomorrow’s match up against Colgate is the last home meet of the season. It is also the last time that swimmers Wade Rimbach, Nicole Fulgieri, Christine Carroll and Eden Payabyab will compete in the Patricia A. Saunders Natatorium. Bonzai begins at 12:59 p.m. at the West Gym.