By Cameron Day\/\/<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Blazers swim team looks to improve after a combined 10-10 (men\u2019s and women\u2019s) 2021-2022 campaign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The men\u2019s swim team finished with a record of 4-6 while the women\u2019s team earned a 6-4 record.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As well as several first-years, the swim team has six sophomores, one junior, four seniors and one graduate student competing this year, all with some college athlete experience under their belt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think that the entire team does a great job holding each other accountable,\u201d head coach Chris Gibeau said. \u201cThe upperclassmen know how the coaching staff likes things to run, so they especially do a great job bringing the less experienced athletes up to speed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rather than the traditional captain model, Gibeau said he runs a leadership council to instill responsibility and accountability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The fall season for the swim team began Oct. 15, so even first-year students now have some experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAll of our first years have made a great impact on the program\u2026that impact could come in many ways, academics, leadership, practice habits or performance at meets,\u201d Gibeau said. \u201cAs long as they are having a positive impact on the program and not a negative one in any aspect, the coaching staff will always be excited about having them on the team.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
College athletes are students too. Academics are an important part of athletic programs. \u201cAs far as expectations go, our first priority is for them to excel in the classroom,\u201d Gibeau said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fuel to an athlete’s fire tends to come from the success of their previous season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cImprovement in the offseason is typically based on that past season’s performance,\u201d Gibeau said. \u201cIt lights a fire, whether they struggled in the past season and are determined to get better or they had a great season and are excited to continue that progression forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gibeau said that the coaching staff is always looking for ways to push and strengthen the team, whether that\u2019s through practice, nutrition, weightlifting or team bonding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Both the men\u2019s and women\u2019s swim teams will be back in action on Nov. 19 at the Diamond City Invitational.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"