What Happened?N.C. State lost to Virginia Tech in a close ACC battle at home last Saturday. Heading into the final two events, the Wolfpack was eight points behind the Hokies. Although they were able to finish with some strong performances, the team ended up falling 155-145. However, the swimmers and coaches were pleased with the way State performed. Freshmen Dan Forsythe said the team was consistent throughout the meet.
“Everyone stepped up today. There really weren’t any collapses or disappointments,” Forsythe said after the meet.
Who’s Hot?Forsythe continues to contribute early in his young career for the Pack, winning the 100 and 200-breastroke. Junior Stephen Mellor also had multiple first-place finishes on the day, winning the 200-butterfly and 200-backstroke. Coach Brooks Teal had nothing but praise for his team about the way it’s swimming early in the season.
“The list is too long right now. Everyone is swimming so well, I don’t want to leave anyone out,” Teal said after Saturday’s meet. “Steve Mellor continues to lead in an extremely strong way. Dan Forsythe was hurting this week but he still rose to the occasion and swam really well for us today — there were a lot of heroes out there today.”
Who’s Not?The team has been struggling recently with several different injuries and illnesses. Teal said he is looking forward to getting a break before the next meet to nurse injuries and to get everyone 100 percent healthy.
“We had one down with mono, we found out the day before the meet. Steve Mellor was out of the water five days with an infection and so we look forward to being 100 percent and being able to bring the intensity and focus that we need to win,” Teal said.
What’s Next?After an extended break for exams and the holidays, State will host Gardner-Webb on Jan. 18 at Casey Natatorium. According to Forsythe, the absence of any official meets does not mean State will just be sitting around. The team will travel to Florida for a training trip for about eight days after Christmas.
“I guess we have a month off, but it is not really off,” Forsythe said. “We have some practice before Christmas, and then after we are going to Florida for a training trip. It will be good to be with the team and train really hard for the rest of the season.”
