No. 14 Swarthmore men’s swimming continued their strong start this past weekend, placing second in the six team TCNJ Invite following a four-meet win streak to open the season. Although the entire team performed exceptionally at TCNJ, Jeffrey Tse ’19 led the Garnet, picking up three individual wins and four relay victories. Tse, an All-Centennial Conference selection since freshman year, broke two school records in the process, winning the 100-yard fly in 49.19 seconds and placing second in the 200-yard breaststroke with a time of 2:04.59. Tse now owns ten individual and relay school records. He will look to break more records when the Garnet return to competition on Jan. 19 in New Providence, N.J.
Max Katz-Balmes: What is your major?
Jeffrey Tse: I am an honors major in economics, an honors minor in mathematics, and a course major in mathematics.
MKB: Why did you decide to attend Swarthmore?
JT: I wanted a liberal arts school that was very invested in the academic experience, such as the honors program. The men’s team was extremely welcoming, friendly, and seemed to have a lot of fun training together.
MKB: Tell us a funny story from your experience as a Swarthmore swimmer.
JT: My fellow captain, Michael Lutzker, was so excited about this weekend’s races that he got up at midnight, on December 1, to use the elliptical.
MKB: What is your favorite aspect about swimming at Swat?
JT: The men’s team has developed a tradition of excellence over the past four years and it has been very exciting to see the team change and realize our goals of winning conferences and making NCAAs.
MKB: How did it feel to break two school records this past weekend?
JT: I was happy to break Andrew Steele’s 100-fly record this weekend, as we are both very competitive and pushed each in the 2017 season when we won conferences. I expect my teammate Chris Smith will rise to the challenge of reclaiming his 200-breast record this March.
MKB: What is the biggest difference between this year’s team and last year’s team?
JT: On the men’s team, all the seniors have led with character. This year’s team is practicing and competing together with one dedicated goal of winning conferences. We have also brought in some new freshmen firepower.
MKB: Do you have any personal or team goals for the remainder of the season?
JT: We hope to win our conference championship and send a lot of swimmers to the NCAA Championships in Greensboro this year.
