Eric Swenson ranks sixth in the BIG EAST Conference in the 100-yard breaststroke.

Freshman Focus: Eric Swenson

Jan. 6, 2005

This is the fifth in a series that spotlights the 10 freshmen on Notre Dame’s 2004-05 roster. This edition features IM/breaststroker Eric Swenson, who was the runner-up in the Notre Dame Invitational in the 100-yard breaststroke. He ranks second on the Irish – and sixth in the BIG EAST Conference – this season in that race with a season-best time of 57.38 that has already established him as the ninth-quickest Notre Dame swimmer ever in the race. Swenson ranks fifth on the team and 12th in the conference in the 200 breast (2:08.17) and has qualified for the BIG EAST meet in the 200 individual medley, as well.

Full NameEric Swenson

Hometown – Scotch Plains, New Jersey

Is your hometown known for anything noteworthy? – Olympic swimmer Scott Goldblatt is from my town

High School and Club teams – St. Joseph High School and Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA

Family Members – Father Norm; mother Barb; brothers Chris (22), Steve (20), and Bill (18)

Anticipated Major – Business (finance)

What has been most difficult thing to adjust to in college? – The swim practices

What is your favorite thing about Notre Dame? – Football Saturdays

Nicknames – Bagel

What were your high school’s nickname and colors – Falcons, green and white

Who has influenced you most as a swimmer – My dad because he goes to everything important and is always encouraging about everything I want to accomplish

What made you stick with swimming over the years – I’ve always had fun with it

Favorite swimmer – Brendan Hansen

Favorite swimming moment – Winning my first YMCA national title in the 100-meter breaststroke

Rituals before a meet – I eat a lot of pineapples and always sit in the locker room before a big race

Favorite “pump up” song – Changes by 2pac

Describe yourself in the pool and out – In the pool, I am usually positive and encouraging, and out of the pool I think I am the same.

What has surprised you most about Ireland – The friendliness of the Irish people. You don’t see too much of that in the states.

Favorite food – Chicken Parmesan

Favorite TV show – Family Guy

Favorite actor – Brad Pitt

Best movie you’ve seen recently – Anchorman

Best book you’ve read recentlyWhen Will Jesus Bring the Pork Chops by George Carlin

Most used word or phrase – “Petah, I’m holdin’ iced tea.”