University of Massachusets Athletics
A Pair of World Class Swimmers
December 21, 2000 | Men's Swimming & Diving
By Michael Coyne
The Maroon & White
You would think anyone who holds eight high school records, four league records, and two state titles would be the best swimmer in their high school. You would believe the experience of participating in the 2000 U.S. Olympic Trials, and setting not one, but two UMass school records, including a time in the 100 fly that is currently seventh-best in the nation, would make you the best swimmer on your street. You would think that the numerous A-10 Championships, including an overall team championship won during your freshman year, would at least make you the best swimmer in your home. You would think so, right? That is unless of course, your sister won a gold medal at the 2000 Summer Games in Sydney.
This is the case of the Arsenault family who is blessed, not with one, but two world-class water phenoms. The accolades mentioned above belong to UMass senior Chris, but he is only half the equation. He also has a younger sister, Samantha, who is beginning her freshman year at Michigan. She recently arrived back in the U.S. from the biggest meet of her life, happily carrying more baggage than when she left. Samantha swam the first leg of the gold medal winning women's 800 meter freestyle team, which set a new Olympic record turning in a time (7:57.80) over two seconds faster than the old record (7:59.87).
Chris, a native of Peabody, Mass., began swimming at the local YMCA. A challenge from a friend during swim lessons ignited his competitive fire and he decided to try swimming competitively. The funny thing was, "the kid never showed up," said Arsenault. "But the sport seemed to be good," and he has stuck to it ever since.
It became a family event as Chris' sister, Samantha, began to tag along to the meets. Eventually it came down to the simple fact that she could either sit in the stands or jump in the pool, and following the lead of her brother, in she went. Training together at Peabody YMCA, Chris and Samantha often used to race against each other. When asked if she ever beat him, Chris replied with an emphatic, "the day she beats me is the day I quit!" Think there is no sibling rivalry in this family? What is interesting to note, is that even though Chris would rather swim across the Atlantic than lose to his sister, he also has the highest regard for her. "She is the hardest worker I've ever met," Arsenault said. "Sometimes it's tough to live up to."
But that has not stopped him from creating a standard for excellence at UMass. Citing "the atmosphere, team and coaching staff" as influential reasons for coming to Amherst, the one reason that re-enforces his decision daily is the relationship with his coach and friend Russ Yarworth. The men's water polo and swimming & diving coach is "not only a great guy, but also a confidant," said Arsenault. "He's understanding, and knowledgeable. We (the players and coaches) all share the same goals."
For the current 2000-2001 season, that goal, as Arsenault is the first to assert, is in the best interest of the team. "With Virginia Tech gone, we are the favorite to win the A-10, that is our overall goal." Should they accomplish this feat for the second time in his career, Arsenault would undoubtably cement himself as one of the top swimmers this school has ever seen.
Coach Yarworth is quick to point out that even if they should fall short, he will still rank among the UMass greats. "Arsenault's development over his four-year career has made him a national caliber swimmer. It's something that brings legitimacy to our program so that we can and will continue to compete nationally. His work ethic and tremendous leadership set an example for teammates both in and out of the water."
So how does Arsenault rank in the history of UMass swimming? "Certainly he is one of the best in the history of the program," said Coach Yarworth. "He ranks right up there with Brian McIver, Drew Donovan, Craig Fuller and Jay Peluso as someone who is important to continuing its tradition."
His records in the water speak for themselves. Arsenault recently set the school record Nov. 4 against Central Connecticut State in the 100-yard Fly (49.02) and last year set the school record in the 200-yard Free (1:38.41). He has been part of the four-man relay teams that have turned in the top school times in the 200-yard Free (1:22.18) and the 400 (3:02.38). Arsenault also holds the top ten times in five other swimming categories.
As for future plans, Arsenault would like to concentrate on his own swimming career. Down the road he could see himself on a path toward something involved with swimming, but he still feels like his career has room to grow. As it does, you have to think, he will be keeping an eye on a certain Michigan swimmer, not so much by his competitiveness, but for her own success. That, through it all, seems to be the most driving force of his career.