One year making all the difference for Nick D'Innocenzo
Dec. 1, 2010
Caitlin Mangum, Texas Media Relations Nick D’Innocenzo had high expectations for himself as he enrolled at The University of Texas and joined the Longhorns’ men’s swimming and diving program last fall. He was a former national high school record holder in the 200-yard individual medley and a member of the U.S. Junior National and U.S. National teams. Unfortunately, illness kept the Andover, Mass., native from achieving his goals in the water, leaving him disappointed by his freshman campaign. “I was not too happy with my performances last season,” D’Innocenzo said. “I did everything that I could to try and pull back from having swine flu in October to having a tonsillectomy in December and basically missing all of Christmas training. But, it happens. It is life. Last season is in the past, and I am looking forward to this season.” While D’Innocenzo hoped to make the finals in each of his events at the NCAA Championships last year, he was unable to score a point for his team. His goals for this season have not changed, but he believes he is in a better position to contribute to the team’s goals. Last month, D’Innocenzo was named the Counsilman-Hunsaker National Division I Men's College Swimmer of the Week after helping the Longhorns to victories over Indiana and Michigan. He posted college swimming's No. 1 time in the 200-yard breaststroke with his NCAA "B" cut of 1 minute, 59.98 seconds. “It is good to have this early success, especially after how last season went,” D’Innocenzo said. “I did not think that last season went particularly well for me, though I was certainly happy with how the team did. It feels good to be doing well.” Texas head men’s swimming and diving head coach Eddie Reese has coached his fair share of champions. Yet, he is continually impressed with D’Innocenzo’s dedication, hard work, and natural ability.
“He is swimming really well,” Reese said. “He is beating everybody he can beat. He is beating people he should not beat in theory. That happens when you get somebody that works hard and is a good racer.” Despite D’Innocenzo’s setbacks last year, Reese believes that D’Innocenzo is poised to make a big splash this season. “He is a great competitor, and he has set himself up this year,” Reese said. “As long as we do not have any more tonsils grow back, he is going to be in great shape.” D’Innocenzo does not intend to disappoint. In order to achieve his goals, D’Innocenzo has devised a plan centered around good, old-fashioned hard work. “I have to train harder than everyone else,” D’Innocenzo said. “That is my goal. At the end of every week, we like to have clap meetings and talk about who is working hard. My goal is to make sure that I am recognized as a really, really hard worker here.” All goals aside, D’Innocenzo has a simple yet powerful outlook on what it takes to become the best swimmer he can be. “My motto has always been, ‘Every time you swim, you should get better,’ and that is what I plan on doing.” |
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