Jan. 4, 2005
This is the second in a series that spotlights the 10 freshmen on Notre Dame’s 2004-05 roster. This edition features walk-on Dean Fernandez, who earned a spot on the Irish during fall tryouts. His top event is the 100-yard breaststroke, in which he has posted a BIG EAST “B” cut (season-best 1:00.98). The 200 breast, 100 fly, and 200 IM are his other main events.
Full Name – Dean Manuel Fernandez
Hometown – Carlsbad, California
Is your hometown known for anything noteworthy? – Professional skateboarder Tony Hawk lives there
High School and Club teams – Carlsbad High School, North Coast Aquatics
Family Members – Joan, Joe, and Nichole Fernandez
Anticipated Major – Computer Science
Nicknames – Woody, D Fizz
What were your high school’s nickname and colors – Lancers, gold and purple
Who has influenced you most as a swimmer – Coach/swimmer Jeff Prior
What made you stick with swimming over the years – The Money
Favorite swimmer – Michael Phelps
Favorite swimming moment – Making the Notre Dame team
Rituals before a meet – Eating Jell-O mix
Favorite “pump up” song – “Twist of Cain” by Danzig
Describe yourself in the pool and out – Suave
What has surprised you most about Ireland – How nice the pool is
Favorite type of food – Mexican
Favorite TV show – “Family Guy”
Favorite actor – Edward Norton
Best movie you’ve seen recently – “Collateral”
Best book you’ve read recently – OS X panther for Unix Users
Most used word or phrase – Dude, Bro