The Saint

Story by Alex Rodriguez and Mark Musgrave III

November is right around the corner, and that means it’s the peak of midseason for AQ Men’s Swim and Dive. Even with Fall Break last week, these Saints didn’t have much of a break, except for a team bonding event at Post Family Farms in Hudsonville. Coach Kristy Hepp trains her athletes in all the right ways on both wet and dry land. 

Over Fall Break, the team had back-to-back meets on the same weekend. 

The addition of male divers to this roster has boosted the team in conference standings, allowing for an easy move up. This is very good for the team, especially because the overall roster is small this season. I (Mark) had the opportunity to speak to Coach Hepp, and she had a great response to this narrative. “The roster may be small, but the quality of men we have is greater than in previous years. This year, they are buying into the process and having fun. As a coach, this is something I love to see.”

This team is young and bright. All swimmers and divers are underclassmen, except one junior and one senior. With that, the team builds numbers and does not lose them.

Sports Editor Alex Rodriguez had a Q&A with Evan Bennett. Here’s what he had to say about the season thus far.

Alex: What are some of the team’s goals this year? 

Evan: A team goal we have is to win the KCAC Conference and finish with a 50% win record. 

Alex: What are your personal goals this year? 

Evan: A personal goal is to keep building up my dive lists and place well at nationals. 

Alex: How do you feel about your season thus far? 

Evan: So far the season has been good. The divers are all improving steadily and the swimmers are working hard. 

Alex: How do you keep team chemistry throughout a sort of individual sport?

Evan: We stay close by cheering each other on and spending a lot of time together outside of practice.

As these men look to execute and strive for a conference title, keep an eye on them as the season moves on. They are highly capable of success and have a chip on their shoulder after finishing 13 points under third place last year, making them fourth overall. AQ Swim + Dive is the newest sports program at Aquinas, and one of the largest. Do not count out this team. They have some serious grit.

Photos Courtesy of AQ Athletics