Someone is making a huge splash here at Cabrini and he’s only a sophomore. Hassan David Goines Jr., exercise science, health promotion and health wellness major, has recently been named the AMCC (Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference) Swimmer of the week.
According to Cabrini Athletics Goines was named on the Best of the Rest List by AMCC.
The start of Goines’ achievements started around 16 years ago when he started swimming. His parents were a main contribution to his swimming career.
When he first got into the pool around the age of 5 he was fascinated with being in the water. “Once I started to swim I wanted to be in the pool all the time,” Goines said.
His love for swimming has helped him to become a force to be reckoned with on the Cav swim team. Recently he beat a personal record in the 100-yard breast stroke, which happens to be Goine’s favorite event while swimming. “Beating personal records goes hand in hand with practicing everything until you reach your goals,” Goines said.
His accomplishments helped to boost the Cavs to a winning spot while they battled Ocean County College with a score of 100-72 according to Cabrini Athletics.
But Goines has a major focus on his school work. Making sure that his grades are up to par is Goine’s main concern. “Swimming at Cabrini is a bonus,” Goines said.
The team here at Cabrini is a main contribution to Goines success. “The coaches are so well organized and they really push us to do our best,” Goines said.
Since swimming is more of a personal sport the competition is alive on the Cav swim team. But this helps to drive motivation for each swimmer to achieve their personal goals. According to Goines the swim team is full of friendly competition. “Winning may be everything to a swimmer but we all have respect for each other,” Goines said.
This respect is evident when talking to fellow team mate junior Sean Tallon, English major. “Big Hass is a constant source of inspiration for myself and the whole team,”Tallon said . The team benefits from the pre meet speeches given by Goines, “His speeches really pump up the whole team,” Tallon said .
In regards to getting awarded the AMCC Best of the Rest the whole swim team is so proud of his accomplishments. “He deserves this. I’m so proud of him and all the work that he has put into the team.” Said Tallon.
For the rest of the season the Cavs will be facing off at Grove City College for the AMCC championships. The championship lasts for 3 days, from Feb. 12-14. This is the last opportunity for Goines and the Cavs to give all they got for this swim season. Goines plans to show off all the hard work that he has put into this season while at this championship meet.
Goines is already thinking about his next swim season. He will try to get into the pool during the summer. Training during the off season is where the real difference will be made from his previous season.
“Swimming is a tough sport, both mentally and physically, but my love of the sport is what gets me up for the 6 am practices. I have to start strong and end strong, no matter what,” Goines said.
