University of Massachusets Athletics
Inside the Goggles with Heath Maginn
October 16, 2014 | Men's Swimming & Diving
The first of a weekly series where UMass Athletics catches up with members of the Swimming and Diving teams for a Question & Answer session! First up is Back/IM specialist Heath Maginn, a sophomore from the Kansas City suburb of Overland Park, Kansas.
How would you describe this team in terms of personality and work ethic, and who are some of your teammates who best fits that description? What is great about being a part of a team like this?
I think we have a really fun personality. But we're also an extremely hard working team. Russ always says we have fun on deck, we have fun with each other. Like brotherhood. But when the goggles go on and it's time to and train and race, it's hard to find anybody that trains as hard as we do. Each class has it's own leadership. But our distance guys are really hard working, so everyone kind of looks to them no matter what their events are, and looks at their work ethic, because Russ gives them insane workouts, and they just take it in stride and do well.
In what ways have you grown during your time at UMass?
Well I came in not sure how I was going to do. I spent a lot of last season out of the pool because I was sick. Came back six weeks before A-10s, and ended up having the best meet of my life. I think I've become a lot tougher in a lot of different events, and I've diversified my events in the last year. My main focus right now is getting my feel back for Russ's training, staying healthy, taking care of myself. I think if I just follow Russ's planning and stick with that track, I'll be fine.
How would you describe Coach Yarworth?
He's a presence. He's a well-respected coach in the athletic department and swimming community. For me personally, because I'm so far from home, he's kind of become a father figure. He keeps everybody on track. Not just in the pool, but academically, socially, and athletically. He has a well-rounded program that brings together all the aspects of what it is to be a student athlete and helps us grow in each individual aspect. We like to joke around together. I think it's a coaching relationship first, but we also have a strong friendship. I think we're good friends.
What are some of your earliest memories of swimming?
I remember my first meet at five or six. I couldn't make it all the way down the pool, and my coach had to jump in and swim along side me. So when I started to get recruited to swim in college, and started to realize that could be an actual event for me, my parents and I could remember my first time, and here I am, qualifying for junior national championships, getting recruited by D1 schools. It's been a really long journey, about 14 years now, and it's kind of weird to think that I only have two years left.
Do you have any siblings who play sports? Did you have any family rivalries growing up?
I have an older sister who did swim with me for a few years. I also have younger brother who's 15 and he also swims and is looking to follow my path and swim in college.
Who is the best dancer on the team?
Probably Aaron Szczepanek, aka Sasquatch. He earned that nickname because he's this big lumbering guy. He's always down to just dance. In the dining hall when they have late night, he'll be the only kid out there dancing. When were hanging out in the dorms he'll always bust a move. His signature move is this bouncing head-bob. I don't know how to explain it, it's unique to Aaron.
Who is the best singer on the team?
Hao Luong is a big Frozen fan. You could ask him to sing "Do You Want to Build A Snowman?" He's pretty good.
Who is the funniest on the team?
We're all kind of goofballs, but probably Ben Hargrave is pretty funny.
Who is the most intense while competing on the team?
Our captain, Michael Glenn, is very intense, and it shows in his training and in his racing skills.
What piece of advice would you give a young person about being successful in life?
Roll with the punches, go with the flow. If you stress yourself out and overthink thinks, you'll mess yourself out. Stick with your plan.