By Coach Norm
Michael has been swimming with the FISH for 8 years
and he has accomplished a lot.
Michael says he was able to learn what true commitment and hard work
really are once he moved into the Awesome FISH group and started training with our Head Coach Ray Benecki. In the fall, Michael was able to sign with South Carolina University and will be receiving
70% of his tuition in scholarship money.
He was awarded these scholarships due his good grades in school and
his excellent talent in the pool.
Michael was not sure where he wanted to attend college and USC was not on
the top of his list. After the coaches from USC showed continued interest
through phone calls and emails, they invited him on an official visit to the
campus and Michael was convinced, he belonged at USC. The USC team was everything he ever wanted.
When did you join the the FISH and what has been your most memorable experience while being on the team? I joined the team at age 10 and started swimming in the Age Group FISH. My most memorable experience is going on the Minnesota Travel Meet with the Awesome FISH in 2009.
2. What was your most rewarding and exciting meet during your FISH career? March 2008, Sectionals; I was able to get my first Junior National cut in 800 meter freestyle, 400 meter IM, and 400 meter freestyle.
3. What is your most favorite set? Any IM sets.
4. What are your favorite events? 1000 free and 200 fly.
5. What is the biggest challenge for you in swimming? Putting up with Adam! Just kidding. Seriously, the biggest challenge for me is to be the best I can be at every practice, at every meet.
6. What motivates you most? Preparation for High School Champs.
7. Which aspects of swimming do you apply in every day life? Swimming builds my confidence and I apply that to other areas of my life.
8. You are beginning a new swimming chapter, swimming in college. What are you most looking forward to? Do you think you are well prepared? Really tough competition and the food all you can eat buffet in the cafeteria. I swim with the FISH because it is the best program to get me ready for college swimming.
9. What advice can you give your teammates in your group and especially your younger teammates who are just starting out? Step it up
10. Tell me a little bit about you, what do you like to do when you are not swimming or busy with schoolwork? Harry Poter Books (ALL OF THEM) and ESPN - Sports Center.
