Mattew Benecki
Interviewed by Coach Norm
Matthew is a FISH, through and through, which doesn't come as a surprise, since his dad is the Head Coach.
Matthew is the second of three brothers graduating from the FISH, leaving only younger brother Kevin on the team. Over the past two years, Matthew has excelled in his swimming career and has achieved tremendous goals under the close guidance of his father, his coach, Ray Benecki.
During the course of all of Matthew's accomplishments in the 2008-2009 season, he was able to achieve an Olympic Trials qualifying time in the 1500 freestyle along with finishing 8th in the 800 freestyle at the US Open National Championships last summer. Matthew's time in the 800 free earned him a spot on the USA National Junior Team for 2009, and he was awarded the 2008-2009 17-18 Male Swimmer of the Year by Potomac Valley Swimming. At Sectionals, last weekend, he achieved a World Trial Qualifying time in the 1000 freestyle.
Matthew is now preparing for the next chapter in his swimming career, as he will be attending the University of Minnesota this fall on a swimming scholarship. Matthew means a lot to the FISH team and he will be missed, in and out of the pool.
