Feb. 14, 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 women's swimming and diving's team captains. This week we sit down with senior co-captain Sarah Menefee.

The team just finished the dual season at 13-1, which is the best record any Tiger squad has compiled since Head Coach Brian Hoffer took over 16 years ago. To what do you attribute the team's success this year?

We came together as a team faster this year than during any other year. This is what brought the immediate success with Indiana. We were able to keep the motivation and drive up throughout the season and that, along with having the girls and all of the guys support one another and cheer each other on, has made a huge difference.

Next up for you guys is the Big 12 Championships in Austin. What will the team be doing over the next couple of weeks to prepare for conference?

We're getting ready to go into our taper phase. We'll begin to do more resting. Everyone is on a different schedule because some people need to rest more than others. Since we have a couple weekends off from meets we're getting conference ideas together. We have conference buddies this year. Each of the girls will draw another girl's name out of a hat and she'll buy her little gifts. We'll also do a couple meals or get-togethers before the meet. Getting back to training though, we're just fine-tuning what we've worked on all year. In the pool this means starts, turns and finishes. Out of the pool it is making sure everyone is on the same page, ready to go and with a positive attitude.

Is there anything you in particular will be focusing on in preparation for conference?

It's weird going into my last conference meet. It's definitely bittersweet. I just really want to go in and have a fun time. I don't want to be stressed out so I can enjoy the atmosphere and take in every minute. Everything is going way too fast!

You guys are on a roll heading into conference. How big of a factor will this momentum be for the team heading into Austin?

It's huge. I think that we need to stay behind each other and to keep pushing forward. That means we can't simply go through the motions. We need to have fun. The entire team needs to relax and enjoy every minute, although it's easier said than done. A lot of that comes from supporting one another.

How often would you say you think about conference?

I think it's something we need to focus on, but it's important to not let it overwhelm you. It is a big meet but we need to just have fun and relax.

What are your goals for conference?

I want to go best times, but above and beyond all that it's all about having fun with my teammates one last time.

What kinds of emotion were you feeling on Senior Day against Iowa?

I remember looking around at all the seniors and thinking it seemed like just yesterday we were all lining up at the old natatorium. It really has gone fast. Senior Day is special because you can reflect back and think about your memories with all the people up on the bulkhead with you. We've been through a lot... switching pools and seeing the team and practices changing dramatically. As a whole, the team dynamics have changed a lot. So going up there and looking around and seeing how much we have grown as leaders was very special.

How did it feel to race in your last dual against Nebraska on Saturday?

It was surreal. I think I can speak for most of the seniors in that respect. We've been doing this for years and years now, and getting up there at your last college dual meet is a weird feeling. I love dual meets though. They're a blast and the reason a lot of people swim in college. But getting up there against one other team for the last time was something I definitely cherished and will remember forever.

What legacy has this year's senior class left on the team?

I hope a really good one. To be honest, I do hope we've helped the younger guys learn that teamwork is the only way you're going to succeed. This year we as seniors were able to show the team that you have to work together in order to do what you want to do, whether it is in the classroom, in the pool, socially... everything. It's a much-improved atmosphere and I hope that our class has been a part of that.

Looking back, what is your favorite memory from your four years on the team?

This kind of goes along with us being seniors, but I'd have to say my favorite memory was at our last dual meet at the old nat against Iowa State. We went down to cheer in the pit in the basement and the alumni had left signs for us of their favorite memories. It was cool to be part of that history and to know that we would also be making the future. It was definitely a breakthrough time when we got to remember how important the history of the program is and also look forward.

Will you be swimming in any events at the Missouri Grand Prix this week?

I'm not, but I'll definitely be here cheering. We have a good number of people on the team trying to make cuts or trials so I'll be here cheering them on. One of my good friends will be here, too, trying to make the Olympic team. It'll be fun having her stay with me while she's here.

As I'm sure you know, Michael Phelps broke the 200 fly world record at last year's Grand Prix. How many records do you think will fall at this year's event?

Any pool record that's up there has a good chance of going down. This is definitely one of the fastest meets we've ever had here.