It’s often below freezing in Logan when Utah State University’s swim team members arrive at the pool, change into their suits, dive into the cold water and begin an hour and a half practice.
And that may be the least of their challenges.
Competing against each other, every swimmer is a potential candidate to go to nationals at the end of April. But only the top eight men and women will make the trip.
Based on how many events each athlete is qualified for, the coaches and captains will decide which swimmers will attend.
“We will be traveling to Greensboro, N.C.,” said JP Parrish, USU swimming head coach. “This national event is part of United States Masters Swimming – 1,800 to 2,000 swimmers from across the nation join to compete at the multi-day event.”
“Last year we had many successful swimmers placing fifth and sixth among Olympic gold medalists,” Parrish said. “Our women's relay team took fifth overall in their age group.”
One obstacle the team faces is funding, but Parrish said the team has been proactive and is getting great support from the USU administration and other sources. None of the athletes are on scholarship so they must pay to participate.
Members of the team raise money by working at USU hockey games -- collecting tickets and guarding the doors. They also held a Slip ‘N Slide fundraiser at the beginning of the school year.
“Our workout schedule will slowly increase in intensity to prepare our swimmers,” Parrish said. “We are working to manage academics, diet habits and athletic activity to best prepare our team for this event.”
“People don’t realize how much work goes into it,” said Jeralyn Turnblom, a USU swimmer. “There’s lots of stroke technique. It’s not just getting in the pool and swimming laps.”
According to Turnblom, the team swims about 4,500 yards each practice – about 2.5 miles.
“Even though it’s really hard getting up, we still manage to have a good time,” said Jenna Moore, a USU swimmer qualified for nationals. “I’ve done swimming since I was six years old… it’s a lifestyle.”
Abbie Lewis, Adam Barkley, Amanda Morgan, Amy Nelson, Danielle Hayes and Katelyn Swain contributed to this report.
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