Bennies and Johnnies travel to Puerto Rico on training trip

The CSB and SJU swim and dive team stayed warm over winter break while visiting Puerto Rico for their annual team training trip.

“The team trained for four hours a day in a 25-meter pool. The focus of the training was technique and endurance. The practices were hard, but we tried to incorporate some fun,” CSB head coach Mandy Wolvert said via email.

Swimmers practiced their different strokes and distances while also focusing on speed and endurance, depending on what event they swim. Alongside them, divers practiced new dives and even tried synchronized swimming.

“We also incorporated strength training and did one of those practices on the beach,” Wolvert said.

At the peak of their season, these challenging practices are vital, and along with the team’s practices, they also got to compete at the Copa Coqui meet.

“Our guys get to compete against DI competition like Cornell, Loyola, Tulane and others. It’s a fun atmosphere, enjoying the sun and the great competition,” SJU head coach Ben Gill said.

The teams did more than just swim and compete in Puerto Rico. CSB senior diver Claire Hippen’s favorite memory from the trip was singing karaoke on the van ride to the rainforest hike.

“On our days off, we got to hike through the rainforest to a waterfall. Along the hike there was a natural waterslide, cliff jumping and a rope swing that were really fun,” Hippen said.

The team was able to explore Puerto Rico and go on many excursions, including the El Yunque Rainforest, the island of Culebra and the city of Old San Juan.

“My favorite memory from the trip was having the opportunity to go snorkeling and swimming with sea turtles. It was one of the best experiences,” CSB senior swimmer Emi Wagner said.

Along with excursions, the athletes participated in team building exercises.

“We got to explore Old San Juan one evening and have dinner as a team there,” Hippen said. “Otherwise, lots of relaxing on the beach, swimming in the ocean and walking around the area we were staying at as a team.”

After the team trip to Puerto Rico, both coaches and teams have high expectations for the last few weeks of their seasons.

“Teams who work this hard together succeed together,” Wolvert said. “My goal is for the team to stay bonded as a strong team.”

Gill is proud of the team’s work this season and hopes the team can be successful through the MIAC championship.

The MIAC championships are a couple weeks away, but most athletes are already setting up goals for the meet.

“My goal for the rest of the season is to soak up as many memories as I can before my senior year is over. I also want to work hard to place higher than last year at the MIAC meet,” Hippen said.

SJU senior swimmer Alex Heer has similar goals in mind.

“Overall, I just want to enjoy the last few weeks I have left swimming with the team,” Heer said.

Both teams are set to compete at their next meet this Friday at Gustavus.