Jan. 8, 2005
This is the last in a series that spotlights the 10 freshmen on Notre Dame’s 2004-05 roster. This edition features 2004 Olympian Andrew MacKay, who swam both individual medleys for his native Cayman Islands in the Athens games last summer. As a member of the Irish, he ranks among the top 10 in the BIG EAST Conference in four different races, entering the second half of the campaign sixth in the 400 IM (4th on Irish, season-best 4:03.13), eighth in the 100 back (4th, 51.83) and 200 IM (5th, 1:53.05), and 10th in the 200 back (5th, 1:53.27). MacKay has four individual race victories and is second among rookies in points scored, with 160.5.
Full Name – Andrew MacKay
Hometown – Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Is your hometown known for anything noteworthy? – Great beaches, great scuba diving, and great weather
High School and Club teams – Stingray swim club
Family Members – Mother Sara, Father Peter
Anticipated Major – Something in Business
What has been most difficult thing to adjust to in college? – The weather
What is your favorite thing about Notre Dame? – The people and the traditions
Nicknames – Rufio
Who has influenced you most as a swimmer – My coach from Cayman, Dave Kelsheimer
What made you stick with swimming over the years – My parents, coach, and friends
Favorite swimmer – Neil Walker, Lenny Krayzelburg
Favorite swimming moment – Swimming in the Olympics in Athens
Favorite “pump up” song – Right now by Van Halen
Describe yourself in the pool and out – Fairly quiet, but can be quite intense
What has surprised you most about Ireland – Nothing; I’ve been all over the United Kingdom before
Favorite food – Good old Subway!
Favorite TV shows – Friends and 24
Favorite actors – Sean William Scott, Mike Myers
Best movie you’ve seen recently – The Girl Next Door
Best books you’ve read recently – Angels and Demons, The Da Vinci Code
Most used word or phrase – Cheers!