Video courtesy Alex D’Anna
The University of Massachusetts men just returned from what could possibly have been the funnest training trip yet. The group posted a training trip video which encapsulates the pure joy of going on vacation with your best friends to practice the sport you love more than anything. Plus, there was a lot of goofing off in the ocean, sliding down waterslides, exploring El Yunque, jumping off bridges, chicken fights, and even a Major Lazer concert.
The team is currently 2-1 in dual competition, after wins this fall against Boston University and Bryant University and a loss against the U.S. Military Academy. They also grabbed first places at the Colgate Invitational at the Terrier Invitational. In the second half of the season, they will face Fordham in a home dual and compete in the Dartmouth and UConn Invites before their season concludes with A-10 Championships, ECAC Championships, and NCAA Championships.
Junior Heath Maginn sent UMassAthletics.com this update on the training trip on January 5th:
“Greetings from San Juan, Puerto Rico! My name is Heath Maginn, a junior on the UMass men’s swimming team. The team arrived here in Puerto Rico last Tuesday, just in time to escape the first snow of the year in Amherst.
After settling into our hotel we departed for the grocery store to load up on the training trip essentials including huge bags of cereal, cold cuts, and tons of PB&J materials.
Wednesday was our first full training day which consisted of a general workout in the morning to acclimate to long course swimming. After the morning workout all the boys walked to Condado beach to body surf waves and catch some rays. The afternoon was the first grinder of the trip; we were split into groups according to our primary events and challenged with tough intervals and long distances.
Thursday was another double practice day, with primary event training in the morning, and recovery in the afternoon. In between practices we spent some downtime at the beach and poolside while feasting on those delicious sandwiches.
Friday was our first single day, meaning we only had training until 9 AM and the rest of the day free. The team spent the free afternoon checking out the resort, playing intense games of cornhole, and catching up on sleep.
Alessandro (Bomprezzi) and I went to a local beach to go jet skiing which was fun until my GoPro was surrendered to the sea. Later that evening groups went out for nice dinners on the Condado strip and spent time exploring the local area.
We are now into the second training cycle, with a high volume practice, fast swims off the blocks and recovery in the morning.”