Breaststroker Dean Fernandez made the Irish roster as a walk-on during fall tryouts.

Freshman Focus: Dean Fernandez

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 recentlyOS X panther for Unix Users

Most used word or phrase – Dude, Bro