JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman Swimming start off SAC Conference play this week, traveling to Emory & Henry on Friday, Oct. 4th at the Emory & Henry Aquatics Center in Emory, Va. beginning at 6:00 p.m.
Eagles head swim coach Ben Young is excited to get the season underway and see his team apply the work they have put in during the offseason.
"First meet of the season is always an exciting time," said Young. "For us, it's back to the grind this week. The same concepts are still in place for the team, which is to get in, race well, and focus on the details of how you are swimming the race."
In the past two seasons, the Eagles kicked off their season against Emory & Henry and secured the win in both matchups. In 2022, the Eagles outscored E&H by a score of 325-82 with multiple standout performances from Maria Tirulli and Manon Compagner. 2023 saw the eagles best the Wasps in a score of 387-134 with top swimmers Lily Parr and Arthur Gluzman leading the way for the Eagles.
Coming off of the Blue v. Orange World Championships which saw the Orange Team take home the victory for the first time in three years, Ben Young has been getting the team ready for the start of conference competition.
"We're shifting how we train a bit," Young said. "We know that we have got a race atmosphere Friday afternoon. We're not easing up in any way, but it's an opportunity to see what we can do. During the offseason, we challenge the team to attack challenges and weaknesses that may not have gone their way during the season, so I'm looking forward to seeing that work come to fruition this week."
Taking to the road to open up the season, Ben Young stresses the importance of staying focused for returning and newcomers to the Eagles squad.
"We brought in a big class this year," said Young. "This will be new for a lot of the freshmen who are not used to going to a meet and returning the same day, so the importance is placed on a few events. A lot of them showcased the work they put in at the Blue v. Orange meat. Swimmers like Joey Moos and Eli Conard are great additions for the men's side. As well as Anna Faria and Megan Corcoran who are looking to set new records for our team."
With all of the emphasis on setting personal bests and setting fast times, Young hopes to see his team display professionalism on the road trip east.
"The approach in a professional manner is the biggest thing,"said Young. "Our approach to the meet is really important…and it's the team understanding that there is a purpose behind the things that we do. Being aware of how your body feels and what you're doing in order to swim at your best is really important.
Carson-Newman takes on Emory & Henry on the road to open up SAC Conference play this Friday, Oct. 4 at the Emory & Henry Aquatics Center in Emory, Va. beginning at 6:00 p.m.
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