This past weekend, the Swarthmore Garnet men’s and women’s swim teams both placed second at the Centennial Conference Championship meet. Among the top Garnet swimmers over the weekend was Jeffrey Tse ʼ19 from Ellicott City, Md. Tse won both the 200 individual medley and the 100 backstroke, and he placed second in the 200 breaststroke. Tse also achieved a NCAA B cut in the 100 backstroke.
Jack Corkery: What is your major, and what made you decide to pursue it?
Jeffrey Tse: I am an honors economics major with an honors minor in statistics. I am also a course major in mathematics.
JC: What made you decide to attend Swat?
JT: I came for Ride the Tide and hung out with Liam Fitzstevens and Andrew Steele, two swim team members who have since graduated. They showed me how Swat Swim is one big family, and I loved how welcoming and friendly everyone was. In addition, I was really interested in the honors program and the small seminar-style classes.
JC: What is your favorite event(s), and why?
JT: My favorite event is the mile, because I get to watch Michael Lutzker destroy everyone else in the conference. I also like swimming the 100 back.
JC: What were some of the highlights of the conference meet for you and the team?
JT: Our senior class all had best times and went out with a bang: Alejandro Hernandez and Henry Wilson dropped bombs in the 100 breast, Carlo Silovetti and Ben Hsiung had some monster freestyle times, Arka Rao finaled in the 200 back, and Phillip Decker whipped his suit off in style. We also have a lot of young depth with Alec Menzer who won Rookie of the Year in addition to Riley McLaughlin, Secret Weapon Gabe Caldwell, Jeff Mun, and hopefully some awesome freshmen.
JC: Do you expect your B times will qualify you or any teammates for D3 nationals? If not, what are your goals for next season?
JT: Unfortunately, my time will not qualify for D3 nationals. We’re hoping to get Michael Lutzker, who is currently 16th in the mile, there. Regardless, our team will be extra motivated to win conferences next year. We would really like to get a relay to nationals for the first time in Swat history.
