Senior swimmers take their final lap

‘Throughout these last four years on the men’s side, we have rewritten every school record except for one’

Their official season began with captain’s practices last August, and now the Varsity Swimmers and Divers at BC are looking towards the finish line of their 2015-2016 schedule.

With the ACC Championships approaching for the women in late February and the men, early March, these athletes are tapering down and preparing for their fastest swims and cleanest dives to close out the year.

Tomorrow BC will host BU at the Plex pool at 1 pm for the last home meet and Senior Night celebration. This is the last time BC Swim and Dive’s sixteen seniors will compete in the Plex pool together, and emotions are high.

BC Swim & Dive Seniors with Head Coach Tom Groden and Assistant Coach Mike Stephens

The Tab BC asked some of the seniors to share their thoughts on the team approaching Saturday’s meet and the close of their BC Swim and Dive career.

Estephen Saliba, Senior Captain, Butterfly

“To me, BC Swimming is all about having a good time, whether that’s in practice or behind the blocks. In this program, I’ve learned to relax and have fun while achieving goals, something I can take with me post-graduation.

“My favorite part of our program is how competitive everyone is. Everyone on the roster wants to be better, and we constantly push each other every practice. It makes for a intense and fun environment.

“I’m definitely looking forward to ACCs. I’ll miss a lot once the season is over. What I won’t miss: Hanscom, dead hair, test sets, racing the 200 butterfly!”

Lizzie Manning, Senior Captain, Freestyle

“BC swim has really shaped my entire college experience. I love being a part of a community of people who are so motivated and passionate. I can’t wait for my final trip to ACCs with the rest of the girls.

“I’m sad that my swimming career is coming to end, but I know the connections I have made on the team will last for a long time to come.”

Brendan Sweeney, Freestyle

“BC Swimming and Diving has been an unbelievable experience over my four years here at BC. It has given me lifelong friendships while being able to compete in the sport that I love. What I love most about this team is how close we are. We study together, hang out together, and train together. I think that one of the reasons the team has become so successful is due to the fact that we are so close. We are able to motivate each other in all aspects of life, in and out of the pool.

“Thinking about the end of my swimming career is very bittersweet, I love this sport and my team so much. However, the extra sleep will be nice!

“I’m hoping finish my career with lifetime bests in a couple weeks and can’t wait to see how everyone finishes their seasonal. I will definitely miss the day to day interactions with my teammates, who have become a part of my family.

“I love the sport of swimming, and I have loved being a member of Boston College Swimming and Diving.”

Dan Kelly, Senior Captain, Freestyle

“This program has motivated me to become a better athlete, a better student, and a better person. The friendships I have created and the lessons I have learned will carry with me far beyond the heights.

“Throughout these last four years on the men’s side, we have rewritten every school record except for one. I look forward to watching that last record fall by the end of the season.”

Jordan Parry, Butterfly

“Swimming is a labor of love.  I definitely feel that I have sacrificed many things, mostly ice cream and cookies, for the sake of being better at the sport, but I have no regrets.  I love training and competing, and I love even more that I get to do both with such a fun group of people.

“I love that the team is like a big family. I never expected to feel so close to 80 people!

“I’m really looking forward to ACCs.  I’ve had the 100 butterfly record on a post-it note next to my bed since day one of freshman year, and it’s finally within reach. I wasn’t even close to it back then, so even if I don’t break the record, I can be proud in how far I’ve come. I am so thankful for this experience and friends I’ve made.  I’ll miss the sport, but I will certainly miss the team more.”

Matt Zerweck, Senior Captain, Individual Medley

“BC Swimming brought me some of my best friends and a lot of new perspectives on just about everything and I’m going to miss having a structure and competing and will probably get fat. BUT hey!”

Saturday should be a special day for the team and family that is BC Swim and Dive. Make your way to the Plex pool to cheer on these seniors as they race one last time versus that other school we know from down the street.

Congrats seniors on four great years, and best of luck for the remainder of the season!

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