Jan. 16, 2008

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 junior co-captain Jake Hoffmann.

How was your time at home for winter break?

It was too short. It was good to be home. The weather was nice, warm and sunny back in Houston.

What did you do to ring in the New Year?

I went to a Rockets game and then stayed home with my family the rest of the night. The Rockets played Golden State and they lost. They had a terrible fourth quarter.

What was the best part of the team's training trip to Phoenix?

Being around all my teammates somewhere besides Columbia. The weather was pretty nice, but the best part was just being with my teammates. We always seem to be a better team after we return from a trip like that.

The team has been undergoing a tough training cycle as of late. What kinds of things does this involve?

It involves intense workouts. We do a lot of doubles during this time. We aren't racing a whole lot, or at least not until now. We were worried about getting in better racing shape so everything is a lot more intense than it is during weeks when we're in school. It kind of peaks. This would be the hardest time of the year and it comes down from there. Mentally it's very tough, but once you get through it you feel a lot stronger.

What effect do you think this training has had on the team's preparation for the second half of the season?

It's essential for preparing for the second half. If you want to be good you have to put in the work. This is it right here. This time of the year separates the good athletes from the rest of the pack.

You guys have raced Missouri State three times this season. What were your thoughts headed into this past week's matchup with the Bears?

We were confident because we had beaten them three previous times this year and in three different meet formats. It didn't matter what meet format we were swimming in, we were just confident we were going to go in there and get a "W."

How does it feel to have gotten the win?

I liked the way we won. Even though we were really tired, people had some great swims. Being tired is part of this time of the year. It was great to win with everyone so tired.

How far along would you say you as an individual swimmer are at this point of the season? Would you say you have hit your stride?

I can be pretty inconsistent this time of year. When my legs get tired my stroke falls a part a little bit. But I just keep telling myself this is all part of the season and the master plan. What really matters is conference and how well we do there. But I would say this is normal for me this time of the year.

How will the team fare this weekend in a tough trip out East that includes a matchup with No. 16 Penn State?

I think we'll do pretty well. Everyone is really excited for the meet. I know I am. We just want to get out and race some teams from the East coast. Penn State is a great team. They'll probably be our toughest competition out there. They have some studs, but I think our depth will come through.

You guys will obviously be on the road this weekend, but I am sure you will stay updated on the Mizzou-Kansas men's basketball score, Saturday night. What do you predict the final score of the game will be?

It'll be pretty high scoring knowing KU. I think we'll win, but it'll be close. I'm going to say Mizzou will win 90-87.