(Photo Courtesy of Paul Wilke)
Karl Vogel: Swimming
1) What are the jobs/responsibilities you have as a team captain? What’s the best part of the job? The worst?
The biggest job for a captain I think is to give the coach honest feedback about how workouts are going and how the team is feeling, as well as setting a good example. I think the best part about being a captain is knowing you were chosen by your teammates and coaches as a leader within a group that you care about and have committed a large chunk of time to.
2) Favorite memories from the last four years?
There are honestly too many to list, but some highlights would have to be our training trips to California and Florida, and also this year’s conference was pretty special because it was my final collegiate meet, and it was at home.
3) What is your favorite event? Why? Least favorite? Why?
My favorite event would have to be the 100 breaststroke, it’s the event that I scored points in every time I swam it at our conference meet and has been a race that I have swam since the beginning of my swimming career. My least favorite event would probably have to be the 100 freestyle, I honestly don’t really know why I dislike that event to the extent that I do, but I absolutely hate that race.
4) How do you prepare for a big race?
When I am behind the blocks I like to jump up and down a couple times, then I crack my knuckles right before I step up onto the blocks, once I am up there I shake both of my legs out once, look down at the ground, and then just wait for the starter to give the usual commands. I do that same routine for every race because it gets me into the zone and also because I am somewhat superstitious. In fact, I can’t put my cap and goggles on too early before a race because I am convinced that if I do then they will fall off during my race.
Jenna Budde: Swimming
1) What are the jobs/responsibilities you have as a team captain? What’s the best part of the job? The worst?
Ultimately, team captains have to lead by example. I’ve always tried to have a positive attitude and strong work ethic. Beyond that, captains need to facilitate team bonding and good communication. The best parts of the job: supporting my teammates and watching them reach their goals. The worst part of the job is enforcing individual accountability.
2) Favorite memories from the last four years?
I have so many memories to choose from! We have a team bonding and goal-setting weekend at Björklunden every fall at the start of season. According to team tradition, we play capture the flag Saturday night, which is always epic. Also, the MWC Championship meet this past weekend was a huge culminating experience for me. I got to swim my last 500 in the same lane I had practiced in every day for the past four years — Lane 1! — with all of my teammates cheering from the side.
3) What is your favorite event? Why? Least favorite? Why?
My favorite event is the 1,650- or 500-yard freestyle. I love the longer distances because you have more control. There is enough time to find your pace and chase down the person in front of you! My least favorite event is any event that involves me swimming breaststroke.
4) How do you prepare for a big race?
I have to loosen up! So, I do some stretching and spend lots of time warming up in the pool. Then, we do team cheers before the meet starts. Cheers are the best way to get pumped up before my race.
(Image courtesy of Karl Vogel)