Concordia junior Christopher Haygood was announced as the PCSC swim and dive athlete of the week. Following a staggering performance on Oct.11, at the Rodionoff Invitational held in Malibu. Haygood managed to secure the award after clinching four first place finishes.

This is the second PCSC athlete of the week award for the team this season and the second in Haygood’s career after winning it his freshman year.

Going into the season, Haygood has had one goal in mind, stating, “I just want to go out there, play my game and have fun, I know that if I am able to do that, I will be able to help the team win.”

Haygood finished first place in four events for the Golden Eagles after leading the weekend with a team high 309 points. He won the 50 freestyle (27.71s), 200 freestyle (1:46.83), 200 medley relay (21.47s), and 400 free relay (47.72s) in a dominant weekend that helped the team win 16 events.

Haygood gives credit to his recent success, to his coaches, and teammates stating, “It's always nice having a coach who creates a family-like environment around the team. My teammates are like my brothers and they push me every day to work harder and compete at my very best in competition.”

Haygood has had a different approach this season, saying, “The recent change to the coaching staff had made me a bit nervous but, I see it as a good thing, and a way for me to improve with advice from different perspectives.” He added, “It has been challenging but I have had faith in God knowing that He has everything under control and I can always trust in what He has planned for me.”

When asked what has helped him prepare for this season, Haygood emphasized his lack of preparation. “Sadly I didn’t have much time over the summer, I got very busy with work and just life. I wasn’t able to find much time to just hop in a pool and work out, as I normally would.” He said, “I have just been excited to get back out there and swim with the team.”

“I come in with a great attitude and don’t worry about how my opponent's swim. I go there to swim my own race, and if the opportunity presents itself to out-touch the people next to me, I'm going to get my hand on that wall first,” Haygood said of his mindset going into each meet. 

Haygood has been firing on all cylinders this season. The junior has helped lead the team to three back-to-back first place finishes. Leading the team in points, Haygood will look to continue his dominant run throughout the season.

Catch the Golden Eagles next at the “Slug Shootout” this afternoon hosted at University of California, Santa Cruz. For more information about the event or men’s swim and dive visit: https://cuigoldeneagles.com/sports/mens-swimming-and-diving

 

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