January 28, 2010 Sports page 11, campus carrier

Swim and dive team wraps up first season

Kendall Gadie
Staff Writer

Before the start of the season, the swimming and div-

ing team made it a goal for each individual to pursue a
personal goal. Now, at the halfway point, junior swimmer
Brandon Moore said most of the team has been successful
in achieving these personal goals.
Strong showings in meets at Savannah College of Art
and Design, in which two members of the team advanced
to the championship, as well as a strong stance against the
more heavily manned Florida Southern College have been
some of the highlights of the season.
Graduate assistant coach Josh Hersko said the team
has achieved great individual results and beaten personal
bests.
During the meet with Florida Southern College in
December, Hersko said the team was caught off guard by
the cold weather they had to endure during their meet in
Tampa Bay, Fla. They had to swim outdoors in water that
ranged from 30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
When asked how the team responded to the cold tem-
peratures, Hersko said, “You got to be tough sometimes.”
Moore said cold weather was not the only thing the
team has had to fight. The Vikings have been the small-
est team in most of the meets they have participated in,
this was the case against Florida Southern. Moore said it
has been discouraging at times. Even so, Berry was able to Meredith McDermott, Photo Editor
score points in the meet. Moore said that was a big boost of Junior Brandon Moore swims butterfly in the Vikings’ inaguaral meet against LaGrange College on Oct. 31, 2009.
confidence for the team. The swimming and diving team will host their final meet of the season on Feb. 6 against Sewanee, The University of the
Hersko said the team has had its share of obstacles South.
this year. Three female swimmers left the team because
of schedule conflicts, and minor injuries have also had an work. A couple of members of the team who showed up fulfilled all of the necessary Division III requirements, they
impact on the team. to practice early this season in regular swim trunks. Now, qualified for postseason competition.
Sophomore swimmer Marianna Rossi said that los- everybody on the team has real swim suits. Hersko said Moore said the Appalachian Swim Conference could
ing team members has been an adjustment. The women’s the team has a better understanding of the hard work be an opportunity for the team to evaluate how far it has
team only has one relay team which, Rossi said, can be a and training that is involved in swimming. grown, as well as where it can go from here. Support from
strain at times. She said despite these setbacks, the team Rossi said the team is looking forward to the conference the Berry community has been an unexpected surprise for
has adjusted well, and chemistry is strong. tournament that will take place Feb. 19 and 20 in Hunting- the team.
“We’ve worked really hard,” she said. ton, W.Va. “The level of support has been awesome,” Hersko
Hersko said that it is hard for swimmers to adjust to the With Berry’s move to NCAA’s Division III, the swim- said.
training and time that a college swimmer has to endure. ming and diving team is Berry’s only team eligible to com- The Vikings next home meet will take place against
This is the first real experience that some of the swimmers pete in conference and postseason tournaments. Since the Sewanee, The University of the South on Feb. 6 at noon.
have had on a competitive team, along with juggling school swim team was introduced during this transition year and

Schedule of
Prove to your Athletic Events
parents that you’ve Jan. 30
accomplished Swim and Dive @ Rhodes, 11 a.m.
Women’s basketball @ Lee, 5 p.m.
something. Men’s basketball @ Lee, 7 p.m.

Mon., Feb. 1
Write for Women’s basketball vs. Reinhardt, 6
p.m.
The Carrier. Men’s basketball vs. Reinhardt, 8 p.m.

Thur. Feb. 4
Meetings are held Men’s basketball vs. Faulkner, 7 p.m.

Mondays in Richards
Gym at 5:30 p.m.
Go Vikings!!
Staff Writers and
Photographers
always wanted.