The University of Tampa men’s and women’s swim teams both suffered their first defeat of the year last week.
After coming off a successful week of victories over Savannah College of Art and Design on Oct. 31 and a strong showing against some of the premier division one schools on Oct. 30, UT’s swim teams lost Friday against Indian River State College.
When asked how she felt about the first defeat of the season, All American female swimmer Jessie Bardin said, “We swam well, and it was going to come sooner or later. We can’t take it personally.”
Although the regular season is important, it all comes down to NCAA’s which take place in March in Canton, Ohio.
Bardin later said she “can’t wait” for the event which is just over four months away.
Assistant Coach Jimi Kiner especially seemed confident that the teams will bounce back quickly. “It is still early in the season, and both teams are already ahead of schedule from last year,” he said.
He went on to say both teams are “phenomenal,” and they are equally looking stellar as a whole.
Losing is inevitable and both team’s first losses were against solid opponents.
A slight stumble this early in the season can humble the team, the freshmen in particular.
It can act as a wakeup call, and remind them that they are not perfect.
Losing can be the fire they need to motivate them to work harder and harder each practice.
The goal is to progress throughout the season and be in prime shape come NCAA’s.
The mood of the entire swim team is confident; everyone knows they have what it takes to do great things this year, and no one is worrying about one loss.
The team’s hope to go back to their winning ways beginning Nov. 13 against Division I opponent ,Florida A&M.
John can be reached at jhilsenroth@ut.edu.
