Aug. 24, 2009
It's the final week of the summer on College Hill, meaning campus has been getting busier. There's still some time left to enjoy the summer, however, and this week the staff at GoLeopards.com caught up with rising senior swimmer John Jenkins. Jenkins spent his summer on campus and he fills Leopard fans in on what he's been up to the past few months.
What have you been doing this summer at Lafayette? Are you taking a class, doing research, working out?
I am doing research with Professor Xia in the Computer Science department. I am also doing off-season training and studying for the GRE.
What's your major and what do you like about your major?
I am a Computer Science major. What I like about it is that it is a subject which is deeply rooted in logic and mathematics, is applicable to nearly every other academic field, and has a creative element to it. Computer Science allows for a large degree of freedom when thinking about and solving problems.
What is your role on the team?
I am a sprinter and middle distance freestyler. This year, I was elected captain.
What is your earliest swimming memory?
My mom taking me to the pool during the summer and playing in the shallow end.
What can you take from your sport and incorporate into everyday life?
Work ethic. Of the sports I have participated in, swimming requires a great degree of discipline and constant effort to have success in.
A talent I'd like to have is...
Speech and debate.
What is your favorite activity outside of your sport?
Lounging, when possible.
What is the greatest thing you can learn from a loss?
You have reason to work harder the next day.
What do you still wish to accomplish (sports or otherwise)?
I would like to get top eight (podium) at championships.
Who is the most influential person(s) in your life?
My family. They put me in the right direction.
Word Association:
Lafayette Athletics: Savage
Swimming: Savage
Early morning practices: Savage
Your coaches: Savage
Your teammates: Savage
Preseason: Savage
Strength & Conditioning Coach(es): Savage
