The Scarlet & Black

The Independent Student News Site of Grinnell College

The Scarlet & Black

The Scarlet & Black

Spotlight: Kevin Bennett

On Saturday, Nov. 9, Grinnell’s men’s swimming and diving team won their season opener against Luther College. Kevin Bennett ’16 won in four events throughout the meet. In individual events, Bennett won the 200 freestyle (1:48.50) and the 100 freestyle (49.59). Bennett, alongside Michael Brus ’14, Ben Weideman ’15, Dylan Gray ’14 and Kyren DiMarzio ’17, won the 200 medley relay in 1:41.40, and Bennett, Brus, Weidman and Joe Lytle ’14 placed first in their 400 freestyle relay in 3:17.67. Grinnell swims against the Illinois Institute of Technology this Saturday, Nov. 16 in a home meet at 3 p.m.

 

Kevin Bennett - Tela Ebersole
Kevin Bennett. Photograph by Tela Ebersole

 

Which event is your favorite to swim in?

The 200 freestyle—I had a really good race and I was really happy with that. I’ve swam that event for a while, I’ve had a lot of experience in it and I’ve practiced it a lot. It’s one of those events that I feel pretty confident when I swim it.

 

When did you start swimming?

I started swimming competitively when I was in third grade. This will be my 11th year swimming. I was attending my community’s swim lesson program and one day they brought in some people to show us some new strokes. I really liked it, and that’s when I decided to join the swim team.

 

What do you think is the best part about Grinnell’s swim team?

It’s so big, but there’s such a great community between everyone. Everyone is always friendly with everyone else. We always support each other; there’s a great atmosphere.

 

What do you think really keeps the team together?

Everyone is so supportive of each other. We tell each other our goals; we support each other at the ends of the lanes, cheering each other on. A lot of the meets have individual races, but you don’t feel alone, you feel like you’re with the team.

 

How do you feel about this year’s team?

I think we look really good. The first-years this year are all really fun and they’re coming into the team really well. Our seniors are great and our captains are really supportive of everyone. I think we’re going to have a great season.

 

Do you guys do team bonding activities?

Before meets, we usually do a movie night. [Before our first meet], we watched “Men in Black.” We all kind of crowded around a TV, and there were probably more people than there should have been in that one room [laughs].

 

Do you feel better when you swim home meets?

It helps a lot, especially with school. Being able to sleep in my own bed the night before is really nice, because we don’t have to worry about hotels. [Our pool] is such a great facility, and it makes it really good for competition.

 

Which meet are you most looking forward to?

Conference is huge for us, but it’s not until February. At Conference, our biggest competition will be Lake Forest [College], as it’s been in the past. My goal is to make it to Nationals this year; I’m really hoping that that will work out.

Leave a Comment
More to Discover
Donate to The Scarlet & Black
$0
$500
Contributed
Our Goal

Comments (0)

All The Scarlet & Black Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *