A Look At UM's Swimmers and Divers of '08-'09
Feb. 3, 2009
Coral Gables, Fla. – Annika Saarnak
6-1, Sophomore, Butterfly/Freestyle
Puhaleda, Estonia
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What is your personal highlight moment that caps your current season?
A: “I would say Ohio State when I went under 51 seconds in the 100-yard freestyle. I was doing 51’s for a long time prior to that race.”
As a sophomore swimmer, what things have you done over the past year to get more accustomed to the collegiate level, and get better in your events?
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You have claimed several top times over your last two seasons, how does that make you train harder to beat those times in the coming years?
A: “It definitely motivates me, but it has to be my goal to swim personal-bests. So, I wouldn’t expect from myself to even think less.”
What are your expectations for the ACC Championships in a few weeks?
A: “Definitely something better than last year. I would say around fifth place at ACC’s for a personal-best. I would like to see the attitude and atmosphere of our team because it is so different than last year. So it’ll be great to be there.”
Britta Boesing
5-8, Senior, Backstroke/IM
Tuebingen, Germany
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What is your personal-high moment that caps the current season?
A: “The Ohio State Invitational because I just seeing the entire team step-up a lot for that meet. Just seeing everyone stepping up and swimming so fast, even faster than last year at conference, was just amazing to see.”
You’re one of the best swimmers in program history with numerous top times in several events, what have you done to get better throughout the years?
A: “Working out hard on a consistent basis and getting through hard times. Every athlete knows how hard it is to get up early in the morning and get yourself going for two hours and really give everything in your sport.”
How has third-year head coach Christie Shefchunas changed the program since you’ve been here?
A: “It’s not even comparable to the first year she got here. I came here with high expectations and I came from a really good program in Germany, and was really surprised how college swimming was. How it was here my first year, I figured was how all college swimming teams are. Now I know better because it was not at all like it is now. There’s a huge difference. For instance, we are doing so much better, and we are like a family here.”
What kind of pressure, if any, is there being a senior leader on the team?
A: “I don’t think it’s any pressure at all. It’s amazing to have freshmen coming in and help them getting settled here and feel more comfortable with the program. You can tell them about your experience and about your own life.”
What are your expectations for the ACC Championships in the coming weeks?
A: “I’m actually really excited to see what we are capable of doing as a team at ACC’s, and seeing everybody stepping up even more. So, I have high expectations and, I have no doubt we are going to do great.”
Katie Eason
5-6, Senior, Butterfly/IM
Metairie, La.
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You originally went to SMU with head coach Christie Shefchunas. What is it about her that makes swimming so much fun?
A: “Usually when you’re an athlete you have a connection with a coach. Or when you’re on a recruiting trip or you come to a university for any specific reason, the main reason being your coach.”
What is your personal-high moment so far this season?
A: “Probably dropping my time in an event that I haven’t swam in a while that I didn’t think I would drop time in at the Ohio State Invite.”
How have you enjoyed your UM career, and what do you think you’ll remember most about this program?
A: “Being together with the girls. Swimming is a fun sport. So, I think the social interaction part and just being part of a great program.”
What kind of pressure, if any, is there being a senior leader on the team?
A: “It’s a lot of pressure because everyone is looking at you, so if you slip up once they may lose respect for you, and it makes it difficult to make it back up if you do mess up.”
What are your expectations for the ACC Championships?
A: “We have high expectations. Last year we didn’t finish as well as we hoped so this year we have a lot of anticipation.”
Reuben Ross
5-11, Junior, Diver
Regina, Saskatchewan (Canada)
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How was it competing in the Olympics?
A: “It’s so big … it’s in your face … its everywhere. It is such a big distraction. The hardest part was just trying to focus on your competitions.”
Describe how you handle pre-match jitters and ways to clear your head?
A: “I just listen to some music usually before or in-between dives. I like something a little upbeat to keep me moving and keep my mind off the competition.”
What is your personal highlight moment that caps your current season?
A: “No specific moment I could think of. Just being here everyday [practicing] and doing and enjoying a great dive.”
What kind of pressure is there, if any, to continue a great tradition of men’s diving here at UM, having added another national title last season along with Brittany Viola?
A: “I think there’s always a little bit of pressure. You just want to live up to the reputation, and just do the best you can and keep focus and work hard. It’s not a lot, but you’ve got to focus on being part of a great team and great program led by a great coach [Randy Ableman].”
