Jan. 7, 2005
This is the eighth in a series that spotlights the 10 freshmen on Notre Dame’s 2004-05 roster. This edition features breaststroker Graham Parker, the Notre Dame Invitational champion in the 200-yard breaststroke. He ranks among the top 10 swimmers in the BIG EAST Conference in three different races, leading the team and coming in at third in the league in the 200 breast (season-best 2:04.42), while ranking 10th in both the 100 breast (57.91) and 400 IM (4:04.20).
Full Name – Graham Austin Parker
Hometown – Cherry Hill, New Jersey
High School and Club teams – Cherry Hill High School East, Jersey Wahoos
Family Members – Jamison Jo Parker, Steven Jon Parker, Trudy Spence-Parker
Anticipated Major – Mathematics
What has been most difficult thing to adjust to in college? – Adjusting to more difficult classes
What is your favorite thing about Notre Dame? – The traditions
Nicknames – Cheech
What were your high school’s nickname and colors – Cougars, red and white
Who has influenced you most as a swimmer – My former coach from Jersey Wahoos, Jim Villa
What made you stick with swimming over the years – The friends I made through swimming
Favorite swimmer – Aaron Peirsol
Favorite swimming moment – Being a part of the Notre Dame swim team
Favorite “pump up” song – I will be Heard by Hatebreed
Describe yourself in the pool and out – In the pool and out of the pool, I am friendly and nice to people. I am not a “hotdog,” and I do not celebrate my victories.
What has surprised you most about Ireland – The weather is not as bad as I anticipated .
Favorite food -A “REAL” Philly Cheesesteak
Favorite TV show – American Chopper
Favorite actor – Brad Pitt
Best movie you’ve seen recently – American History X
Best book you’ve read recently – None, I read newspapers
Most used word or phrase – Yo