To most of us, a seven-week break probably seemed like more than enough time to relax.
The swimmers and divers did hardly that.
The absence of classes and regular meets allowed coach Greg Werner to increase the team's training. The Bobcats upped their practice time from around 20 hours a week to more than 30, with 10 days off for the holidays.
It's a huge advantage with our academic schedule
Werner said. Instead of being a student athlete you can just be an athlete.
Werner added that no other school has this luxury.
We're pretty good before the holidays he said, but we're really good after the holidays.
His focus over break centered on his swimmers' endurance. Now, he is focusing on the team's speed.
The Bobcats (6-1, 3-1 Mid-American Conference) square off against Denison today at 5 and Youngstown State tomorrow at 2. Denison is a Division III team with a 5-2 record, while Youngstown State is 2-2.
Both teams are good
and both teams will provide a challenge
Werner said.
Over break, the team won the three-day, 11-team Zippy Invitational in Akron. Werner said that the team was worn down from its rigorous holiday practice schedule, and that the victory bodes well for the team. Last year's team finished second at the invitational.
It's a testament to our strength as a team
senior captain Emily Wylam said.
The freshmen have been doing well all season and could be a pivotal aspect to the team's success this weekend.
We have a lot of faith in our class
standout freshman Rachel Heim said.
The freshmen had two of Ohio's six first-place finishes in the Zippy Invitational. I'm really happy with the entire freshman class
Werner said.
Coach Werner said freshman Stella Johnson's hard work stood out over the break.
She trained incredibly well over the holidays
Werner said. She was the last one on the team to ever break down and she broke down the least.
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