What’s In The Water at Morningside University?
Morningside swim coach and some mustang swimmers talk about the upcoming 2021-2022 swim season.
The Morningside University men’s and woman’s swim team kicked off their 2021-2022 season this past weekend at the St. Ambrose University Quadrangular. Coach Brian Farris feels optimistic about the upcoming season.
“We have two solid teams with good depth and great talent” Farris says.
The overall team of forty-five athletes is scheduled to compete at eleven meets spanning from October to March. Including duels, Invitationals, the KCAC Conference Championships, and finally finishing out the season at the NAIA Championships.
Farris believes that he has several athletes this year who have the potential to qualify and compete at NAIA nationals including but not limited to Sophomore Willy Pinnow, Sophomore Joe Ciricao, Sophomore Josie Dike, and several members of the senior class that have qualified before. In the eyes of coach Farris “We’ve got the complete package.”
More from Farris and the swimmers
With an unbeatable team the only obstacle is the hurtles left behind by the Covid-19 pandemic.
During their last competition season the mustangs were unable to compete at nationals due to covid guidelines and restrictions. This year many institutions in the NAIA division have relaxed some of their restrictions for swim meets. Last year masks were always required and immediately after getting out of the pool. Heats of swimmer were more organized as opposed to the typical gathering behind the block several heats ahead of schedule.
“We will still feel some back lash from the effects of covid.” Farris says that some of the teams meet schedule is uncertain, finding busses and bus drivers has been more challenging. While the aftereffects of covid are still being felt there are many ways in which meets have gone back to normal. Because of this Farris speculates that Morningside might benefit from the purchase of a travel bus.
Spectators will be allowed back into the pool which Farris believes will help boost the morale of swimmers at meets. Live streams of the events failed to capture the excitement of a crowd.
James Spicer, one of the 2021 boys team captain commented on how masks effected his performance during meets last year. “Luckily we won’t have to waterboard ourselves with wet pieces of cloth after we get out of the pool”
“I’m excited to talk to swimmers on the other teams this year, last season we weren’t allowed to shake hands after races or talk to other athletes before races.” Natalie Hunt, a sophomore at Morningside University. “One of the best things about this sport is the comradery that comes from it, I missed that last season and we’re all hoping to bring it back”
Morningside swim is attempting to return to normal function this year as much as possible. The team is excited to attend meets with spectators and a little bit more comradery across teams.
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