States on the mind

On Feb 25, the Alfred University’s Men’s Swim Team looks to reclaim another state title and ensure national spots for several swimmers at the State Championship meet in Syracuse.

At the RIT Don Richards Invitational in December, Matt Baker was already guaranteed a spot in nationals for the 100-yard backstroke. He also qualified for nationals at the ‘B’-Cut level, which means he needs to improve his time in order to guarantee his spot in the 400-yard and 200-yard medley relay, along with his teammates Brian Agro, Zach Mix and Mark Baker. Agro additionally qualified for the ‘B’-Cut national time in the 100-yard breaststroke.

“We have one of the best teams Alfred has ever had to qualify for the national meet,” AU head swim coach Brian Striker said. “I am looking forward to seeing what they do.”

Striker said that the team had an outstanding dual meet season, swimming faster than ever after breaking eight team records. He says that with the team’s depth, hard work, and collective senior leadership, he’s confident heading into states, but understands his role as coach now takes a back seat.

“It is in the swimmers’ hands now,” Striker said.

And the swimmers know it.

According to senior swim captain Owen Linders, the state championship is where training and practice pay dividends.

“Every regular practice, every early practice, every distance double, every single dry land workout, and every weight we lift came together to make this the best swim of the year,“ Linders said.

The state meet produces some of the fastest times of the year and every team amps up its performance, added Brian Agro, another of AU’s senior leaders.

“It is going to be the fastest states this team has ever seen,” said Agro.

Striker says each athlete must focus on what they can control to help the team overall. The AU Men’s Swim Team has performed at a high level the entire year, regardless of the competition. Striker wasn’t afraid to appoint this group as one of
Alfred’s most dominant teams ever.

“This is one of Alfred’s strongest teams in history,” Striker said.

With that said, this year’s team is sure to up the ante of state competition.