Dec. 7, 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. This week we sit down with senior co-captain Travis Floyd.
The men came in second at last month's Purdue Invite. What were the biggest factors in turning in a runner-up showing?
I think the biggest factor is that pretty much everyone swam well. The entire team had a great meet. Everyone swam fast. We also got behind each other really well. We were definitely the loudest team there.
Not only did you guys come away with a runner-up finish, but the team also led the first two days of the meet. How did it feel to achieve such success at a meet featuring 12th-ranked Purdue and two teams in Louisville and Missouri State that each received votes in the latest College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) Top 25 Poll?
It felt great. We were all very happy with the outcome. I think we were a little disappointed that Purdue passed us on the last day, but as a senior and having been to five invites I can easily say this was by far the best finish on both the men's and women's side. I think we were all pretty happy about that.
Did you do anything fun over Thanksgiving break after getting back from West Lafayette? I went hunting one day. I also watched my Cowboys play on Thursday and the Tigers play on Saturday. Other than that, I was mainly swimming.
You guys have a break from competition until mid-January. What kinds of things is the team concentrating on now to stay focused on what is to come in 2008?
With it being the end of the semester a big focus right now is taking care of business on the academic side of things. On the swimming side we are concentrating on just maintaining focus. Right now we're doing a lot of yardage, a lot of back-and-forth swimming. So, while it's not too exciting right now it'll get more exciting next semester.
With final exams on the horizon, how are you balancing the difficulties associated with the end of the semester with practice and everything else that comes along with being a member of the team?
I usually just get a planner and map out my day. The best thing to do is just keep some kind of routine. I map out how long I need to study throughout each day and stick to that as well as I can.
What is going to be your most difficult final this semester?
My Economics 4351 final. It's an intermediate microeconomics class and will be pretty tough.
The team moved up to No. 19 in the latest CSCAA poll, which marks the team's highest ever ranking. What are your thoughts on the ranking and what does it mean for the program?
It's just another sign we're moving forward and that we're getting better and better. It's pretty exciting to be in the top-20. It may not seem like that much of a difference, but there's a huge difference between being top-20 and top-25. The ranking also helps us maintain focus. Although we're not swimming meets right now we know where we're at. It's exciting and stays fresh in our minds.
Looking back over the past couple months, can you describe your thoughts on what may easily be one of the most successful opening portions of a season in program history?
I'm proud. I'm just really proud of this team. We've really come together and it's showing. It's nice being a senior and be part of one of the best seasons this program has ever had.
What are your plans for the upcoming holiday?
I'm just going to try to maintain a routine. I'll be doing a lot of swimming, sleeping and seeing family. My sister is getting married, too.
What are the top three things on your Christmas list?
Presents aren't that big of a deal to me because there's not a whole lot I need. Money's always nice though. I would probably add an iPhone and an Xbox 360 to the list as well.