Junior Bearcat Jacob Davis had a historical swimming season this year because of his dedication to his personal goals and his team. He received numerous awards, including becoming the first swimmer in the Bearcat men’s swim team history to be named an all American.
Eight men’s swimmers received all PAC selections, including Davis with a first team selection. After his performance at the conference championship meet, he was also named the PAC’s men’s swimmer of the year, another first for the program.
Davis mentioned that being named all-American was an extremely proud moment for both him and the team.
“I could describe the feeling as being relaxed almost. It was just extremely satisfying to know that all of my hard work finally paid off after such a long season,” Davis said.
For Davis, this past season was particularly long. While most of his teammates were done with the season in February, Davis had to continue to train for nearly another month since the NCAA championships were not held until March 21.
Staying focused wasn’t hard for Davis, however. He explained that he would get his work done with his friends in between classes, making it easy to balance swimming, schoolwork and social life.
The overwhelming support Davis and his teammates gave each other throughout the season was crucial to his success as well.
“We keep each other in check,” Davis said. “We always cheer each other on and make sure everyone is paying attention and is prepared for race day.”
Josh Gurekovich, head coach of the men’s swim team, said that Davis pushes his teammates to work hard while practicing in the water and the weight room. Gurekovich expressed that swimming is a team sport.
“Yes, we compete as individuals in races, but everyone is still working to do their best to help the team,” Gurekovich said.
Davis explained that staying relaxed on race day is key for him. He likes to spend the night before having fun with his friends to stay calm.
He claimed conference titles in the 50 free, the 100 free, the 200 free, the 200 free relay and the 400 free relay.
For the 100 free he clocked in at 44:36, breaking both the schools and conference records for the event, also qualifying him for NCAA nationals.
At the national championship meet, Davis competed in the 100 free, the 50 free and the 200 free. He finished seventh in the 100 free, earning him an All-American title.
Davis has been working hard and improving consistently during his career. He was also a first team PAC selection both his freshman and sophomore years. His sophomore year, he claimed the conference title for the 50 free, and broke the school record for the 100 free. In addition, he was on the 200 free relay, 200 medley relay, 400 medley relay and the 400 free relay teams that also broke school records.
Although his personal accomplishments are special to him, Davis explained that his favorite part of being on the team is the lifelong friendships he has made with his teammates.
Davis has plans to further his success next season. His goal is to match the accomplishments he made this year, but add events. He plans to achieve that by hitting the weights to gain strength and continuing to swim with his club team at home during the off-season.
Gurekovich said that Davis makes improvements each year and hopes to see him continue this trend next year.
Davis is a graduate of Brashear High School in Pittsburgh where he competed in baseball, soccer and swimming for four years. He is international relations major with a minor in global security. After graduation he hopes to work for the U.S. government in foreign affairs.
Photo: SVC Athletics