Nov. 9, 2007

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Welcome to "Q&A With The Captains," a continuing weekly segment that features a question-and-answer style interview with one of Mizzou men's swimming and diving's team captains. The 2007-08 captains are junior Jake Hoffmann and seniors Travis Floyd and Joe Wilson. This week we sit down with junior co-captain Jake Hoffmann.

What were your thoughts heading into this past weekend's Mizzou Dual Challenge?

I thought it was going to be a tough weekend for us. We were going up against some pretty good teams that had firepower. I was hoping we could come together as a team and come out with a few victories.

The matchup with Virginia Tech was the most anticipated of the weekend. What were your thoughts heading into the dual with the Hokies?

We knew it was going to be on Sunday and that we might be a little tired. We got to the pool early and warmed up. In the end I think we just wanted it more than they did.

What is the biggest key to winning four duals in the course of three days?

I would say the team factor. Everyone is tired this time of year, but we came together as a team and everyone cheered for everyone. That's the most intensity I think we have every brought to a meet during my time here.

What did you do when you got home on Sunday after a long weekend?

I sat around and watched The Office. I just kind of vegged out.

You guys are 5-1 on the season now after racing two-top 25 teams in Indiana and Texas A&M and a top-30 team in Virginia Tech. What does this do for the mentality of the team heading into next weekend's Purdue Invitational?

I think we just want to carry the momentum over as far as how we cheered for everyone and the overall intensity we brought into these meets. If we can bring that same intensity and be a little more rested then I think we'll have some great swims and may shock some people.

The Tigers competed at Purdue two years ago. Can you talk a little bit about your experiences there?

I was a freshman and that was my first college invite. I didn't know what to expect. It was a great experience for me and I learned a ton about racing, college and how to be better. I watched how the other guys prepared for races and learned from them.

How will this year be different?

I think we are a more solid team than two years ago. I keep coming back to this team aspect, but I feel like we have a stronger sense of team unity and that helps. It helps me and helps the others when they swim. It lets you know you're doing it for more than just yourself.

What will the team be doing to prepare for one of the biggest meets of the year?

This week is normal, but next we'll rest a little bit. Come next week we'll be ready to go. The guys are already excited about it.

The team entered the CSCAA Top 25 on Tuesday for the first time since 2005-06. What are your thoughts on coming in at No. 23?

I definitely think we deserve to be there. We beat [now-No. 25] Texas A&M and just beat four very good teams this past weekend. Virginia Tech and Missouri State have both received some votes. It's not like we don't belong there. Our depth definitely shows that we do. We're looking to improve and to get into the top 20.

Is moving up in the rankings a big topic of conversation among you and your teammates?

No, not too much. We're all excited but I think we all know we can do better.

If you had to guess what you guys will be ranked in the next poll what would your guess be?

I would say we'll be around the same. We might move up a spot or two. Virginia Tech and Missouri State were not ranked, but both did receive votes. They are both respectable teams.

Looking back at the past month how do you think the team has progressed?

I think we started out kind of scattered and then came together. I definitely saw us coming together as a team more this past weekend than at any other point in the season. Every time someone was in the water the team was on its feet cheering. Other teams don't do that as much so I think we're being the better team in that regard.

Do you feel your role as captain has changed at all since the beginning of the season?

No. I try to keep the guys focused on moving forward and improving everyday. I just try to keep the team going.

What is your prediction for the Mizzou-Texas A&M football score this Saturday?

I'll go with 41-17, Mizzou.