With only a few weeks left in the Ivy League season, the men's swimming and diving team hopes for a strong showing this Saturday when it travels to New Haven, Conn., for a dual meet with Ivy rivals Yale and Columbia (both 4-3, 2-2 Ivy).
With an overall record of 3-4, 2-2 in the Ivies, the Bears have been hindered all season by a lack of depth. For example, the team only has one diver, Matt Freitas '07. But Bruno has continued to improve throughout the year.
"I feel good about our progress to date," said Head Coach Peter Brown. "The men are doing a great job of staying focused and keeping their minds on what matters most: getting better."
The Bears have the largest group of first-year swimmers they have had in recent memory. Peter Volosin '08 has had the biggest impact of the first-years, winning the first event of his collegiate career, the 100-meter freestyle against Harvard. Volosin also notched victories in the 1,000- and 500-meter freestyle in the Bears' 124-117 victory over the University of Pennsylvania on Jan. 15.
Eric Brumberg '06 has lived up to Coach Brown's lofty preseason expectations, recently winning the 200-meter freestyle and 200-meter backstroke against Penn. Brian Sharkey '06 has been strong of late, winning the 50-meter freestyle against Penn and placing third in the same event against UNC and Bucknell. Sharkey also took second in the 100 freestyle in a 151-81 loss to Princeton on Dec. 15.
Brown also gave credit to Freitas for continuing to compete, being the sole representative of the diving squad and doing it with a positive attitude.
"Matt is doing a great job," he said. "It's not easy being in the position he is in ... he never complains though and keeps plugging away. He gives all he's got and is a gutsy competitor. We are proud of his effort and contributions."
Freitas' selflessness is part of the team's great chemistry, which Coach Brown believes has translated into confidence for the entire team, especially going into the season's final stretch.
Brown knows Saturday's dual meet with Yale and Columbia will be a challenge, but he approaches it with confidence and enthusiasm.
"We will have our hands full, but will battle them the best we can," he said. The meet "will be a good test for us - I am looking forward to (it)."
