Brian Kennedy, Tuscola High School

 

When did you start swimming? How did you get started swimming? What teams have you swam with?

I began swimming around the age of six for a small summer team in Watseka, IL. I had Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis until I was eleven so swimming was one of the few physical outlets that did not hurt my joints. When we moved back to Tuscola my fourth grade year, my mom looked for teams in the area and signed me up for Aquacheifs that summer. I just kind of fell in love with it after that. I did not begin to swim during the short course season until my freshman year in high school.

 

Are you excited about your final year of swimming for Tuscola and HEAT? What are your swimming goals for the year?

Yes, most definitely. This year I really wanted to buckle down and see what I could accomplish. I began lifting with a trainer and saw a nutritionist early in the season. I did this for myself and to lower my times so that I might be able to walk on to UIC's men's swim team. This is a huge goal but I needed something to work for. I also wanted to get individual Y-Nat cuts in the 100 breaststroke and 200 yard breaststroke.

 

What have you learned from swimming?

 

Oh wow. Swimming has done so many things for me throughout the years. It gave me confidence and instilled me with a competitive spirit. It has helped me learn to set goals and to pace myself and to work hard and then reap the rewards at a later date. Determination. How to be tough when I didn't want to be. Swimming has helped me work through my problems by being a physical outlet and has given me a sense of purpose. This year especially I have benefitted from the physical side and have toned my body quite a bit and have learned how to "Eat to Fuel." Where would I have learned these things otherwise? I do enjoy eating all the bread I can get my hands on.

 

What is your favorite swimming memory?

My favorite swimming memory is of Y-Nationals '08 down in Ft. Lauderdale. It was the first time that I felt that close knit bond that only a team can have. It was something I had never really experienced before. Swimming, smoothies, and sun. Not to mention getting to spend a week in Florida with some of the best people I've ever met. I cannot wait to go back.

 

What is your favorite event? Least favorite?

My favorite event is 100yd Breaststroke. It is the only time that I feel really powerful in the water and I can sprint all out with confidence. I also really enjoy swimming the 200yd Freestyle simply because I am good at descending each fifty and I'm always surprised with the amount of energy I have left for that last 75. Anyone who knows me can tell you that I hardly ever swim an individual backstroke event. My stroke technique is not bad at all, but I just cannot seem to apply the same power and turnover rate that others can. It is the worst leg of my I.M. but even though I avoid it in competition I don't mind swimming backstroke in practice.

 

What is your favorite movie? Favorite food? Favorite place?

 

Movie- I frequently watch films that are written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. They are films made for children that have a simple feel about them but are deep and moving on an emotional level. Many of them are in Japanese which has sparked an interest in the language for my friends and I. My favorite film by Miyazaki is called Howl's Moving Castle. Food- I have not had Japanese food until just recently but it has moved up on my list of favorites. Besides that, I enjoy my grandmother's beef and noodles, especially after Sunday practice.
Place- We took a family vacation to Hawaii when I was in eighth grade and I would really like to go back and experience that again. I like visiting new places however, and the trip to Germany is sure to be a hit with me.

What 3 people would you invite to dinner?

I would invite my lane four partners, Emma Newman, Alyssa Petruzzello, and Lisa Boyce.

 

Tell us something about yourself that people might find surprising or interesting.

One thing that often surprises people is my intended major, Industrial Design. It is considered a BFA and many people are surprised to learn that I have artistic talent.