FSU’s Men’s Swimming Takes Second in Season Opener

The 2015-16 FSU swimming season quickly approached as the team has already completed their first meet. October 17^th marked the men and women’s season opener where competitors from Gallaudet University (Bisons), Davis & Elkins College (Senators) and Hampden-Sydney (Tigers) traveled to challenge the Frostburg State University Bobcats.

The Bobcat men defeated the Gallaudet UniversityBisons with a total of 164-65 points. The Hampden-Sydney Tigers also fell to the Bobcats with 160-95 points. FSU’s men’s team was able to take second place for the overall meet after dropping 113-148 to the Davis & Elkins Senators.

Sophomore Marquell Proctor anchored for the men’s 200 free relay, which took second to the Senators. He states, “my teammate Deon Sanders led off on the third leg and gave us a solid lead, and then it was left up to me to keep the place we had.” Positively taking the teams second place win, this meet sets up a good outlook toward the future season.

The team is consistent upon many impressive individual athletes. One athlete who is sure to “push everyone is Christian March,”  states Proctor. “Also, one of my biggest competitors is James Williams and he’s the person that I go against in all of my events, basically.” These teammates not only help push one another, but also allow for a healthy competitive spirit to form. With the team’s daily practices, weight lifting, and dry lands, the dedication proven all throughout preseason showed individually, and as a whole, during this first meet.

Head coach Justin Anderson delivered the Scotty Bowman quote, “I think there are a lot of things you can’t change, that are out of your control, but your attitude is in your control.” Bowman is a retired National Hockey League head coach. These weekly quotes are set to help motivate the swimmers.

The 2014-15 men’s team took sixth place overall in the CAC Championships; this year the team is hoping to improve. “ I just want both teams to push each other to the fullest and give their 100% effort. Even though we may not beat each other, if we’re all constantly beating our personal best records personally, individually, that’s going to be a successful season as a whole.”

The lady Bobcats came away from the meet with a total of 201 points, overpowering the lady Bisons of Gallaudet who scored only 59 points. The Davis & Elkins Senators teamed along when it came to defeating the lady Bisons. However, it was the lady Senators who took away the first place win after beating the lady Bobcats by a total of only 12 points.

The Frostburg State University swimming teams will travel to Frederick, Maryland to compete against Hood College on October 24th. The meet is set for 1:00 p.m. The Bobcats will take on the Hood College Blaze with hopes of improving their season’s record.