The secret to the mentality of a swim champion
Cole Kershner looks to hold the title as the 50 freestyle champion this year and focuses on his mentality to get him there. Kershner (center) recently won the 50 free at the Claremont Mudd-Scripps swim meet earlier this month. Photos courtesy of Cole Kershner
Becoming a champion is one thing, but retaining your crown is another. That’s what senior Cole Kershner, a business administration major on Chapman’s swim team, is attempting to do this year.
After becoming the 50-meter freestyle champion at last season’s Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) championship swim meet, Kershner is wanting to improve on his 20.46 second time and get his second champion win at the conference meet.
“As long as you’re getting stronger, a lot of times you’ll get faster,” Kershner told The Panther. “I’m definitely getting stronger and I’m just trying to work harder in the water.”
Kershner explains the simple, yet important steps he is taking to stay disciplined and fit.
“Listening to what (my) coach says,” Kershner said. “Getting in the water a lot. Lifting heavy weights. And trying to be on my top game in practice as much as possible.”
While Kershner swam during his senior year of high school, he originally wanted to play for Chapman’s water polo team.
The drive to improve, and attention to details, is what will give him a platform to repeat his championship win. Even after winning the 50 free at the Claremont Mudd-Scripps swim meet on Nov. 4, Kershner is still critical of himself.
“If we’re being honest, that was a pretty sloppy swim for me,” Kershner said. “It’s great that I won, but what can I learn from this? I try to keep a positive attitude, but I didn’t think it was a great race for me. I could’ve fixed my turn, I breathed too many times. I’m always looking at what I can do better at the next meet and improve overall for SCIAC.”
One of the defining qualities of champions is having a “never good enough” mentality. Kershner is consistently pushing himself to be a better swimmer. Head swim coach Juliet Suess gave more insight into Kershner’s attitude towards the sport in an interview with The Panther.
“I think one of Cole’s greatest qualities is his desire to grow, whether that’s in the pool, the classroom, or in life. He listens when you bring something to his attention, and it shows in his progress with swimming and in how he interacts with his teammates. It’s natural that we don’t always get everything right, but at the end of the day, Cole wants to do right by his teammates and friends, not just win events.”
Something that makes Kershner’s accomplishment and mindset even more impressive is that he didn’t come to Chapman to swim.
“I actually came here, originally, to play water polo, and then I didn’t make the team,” Kershner said. “I ended up swimming, and I didn’t have a super intense swim background.”
Overcoming the adversity of not making the water polo team and coming on to the swim team as a less experienced swimmer than some of his teammates made becoming a conference champion even more special for Kershner.
“I was never a huge club swimmer, so I guess coming into college and winning (my event at) conference was a pretty massive deal for me,” Kershner said.
Kershner sees his role on the team as the funny yet passionate leader who his teammates can relate to.
“I’m kind of a goofball, so I want to try to make people happy, joke around. I’d say the men’s team (has a) super playful culture. We mess around and joke around, but when it’s time to work, we get serious. I always just try to keep a positive attitude and put smiles on people’s faces.”
Kershner’s fun-loving attitude and excitement for the sport is recognized by his teammates as well. Junior Joe LaFontaine, a health sciences major, gave his perspective on his teammate to The Panther.
“I would describe Cole as a very motivated and driven person,” LaFontaine said. “He works hard in the pool and in the classroom. He is also a great person to have around and is always cracking jokes. He has a competitive nature and strives to be the best he can be while bringing up the people around him.”
Suess also sees that fun and personality that Kershner injects into the swim team.
“Cole is a natural leader,” Suess said. “He has a huge personality, and he wants to draw people in and make everyone feel welcome. He brings the fun to everything he does.”
Kershner’s mindset and enjoyment for his sport can help elevate him to become champion once again this season. While the road to a repeat won’t be easy, Kershner understands what it takes to be a winner.
“It takes a very strong mindset. With all athletics, it’s very easy to get burnt out. I think swimming, especially, because you’re just staring at the bottom of a pool for two hours straight, which can be pretty hard for a lot of people. You have to have a relentless determination for excellence.”