Swimmers to take final laps at Sheerr Pool

The demands that Ivy League athletes are subjected to during their years in college often dwarf the expectations placed on their fellow NCAA competitors in universities across the country.

As student-athletes, Ivy Leaguers are not only expected to perform at their athletic potential on the field, but are also called on to compete academically with some of the brightest minds in the world. It is not unusual for a team roster to dwindle year after year, as these student-athletes are exposed to the realities of such competitive environments.

For Penn swimming, this circumstance has become an unfortunate reality as of late. As the years have passed, so too have many of the teams' members -- on to pursuits that left little room for serious athletic involvement.

Women's team captain Rachel Zappalorti described a time four short years ago when 15 of her fellow freshman teammates regularly joined her in the water.

"We came in with a big class of 16 girls," she said. "Six of us are still here along with two girls who transferred from Syracuse."

The men have encountered a similar circumstance over the past four years, as a freshman class of 13 has, over time, shrunk to five.

These swimmers have proven themselves time and time again, and receive nothing but the highest praise from their coach, Penn alum Mike Schnur.

"We've got five guys who've grown a lot since freshman years ... and eight great women who have really carried this team." Schnur said. "They were my first recruits and have grown a ton as both athletes and as people. It'll be weird swimming without them."

Schnur's kind words come as no surprise to his swimmers. After following his guidance for four years, they have gotten used to his caring demeanor.

Senior captain Shaun Lehrer has come to expect such genuine compassion from his coach and mentor.

"He's been a great coach and friend," Lehrer explained, "He's a guy who has gone through this program and is now working hard as the leader of the program."

Zappalorti conveyed similar sentiments regarding Schnur.

"Mike is awesome," she said. "He's a great coach on the pool deck and a great friend in the locker room."

Schnur's presence has surely been felt among this years' seniors.

Lehrer is amazed by the progress of the program in the short time Schnur has been at the helm.

"We were at the bottom of the league when he came, and now we're definitely making progress," Lehrer said. "I think [Penn swimming] will be right up there with the best in the league in the near future."

In the immediate future, Penn will host its annual senior recognition meet this Saturday against Army. While he is anxious for the event, Schnur knows that Saturday will be difficult.

"We honor the seniors before the meet. I'll have a ton of mixed emotions," Schnur admits. "I'll definitely be unhappy that they are all graduating."

Schnur won't be the only one holding back tears this weekend.

"It'll be a very emotional day," Zappalorti explained. "It has been an honor being at Penn. It'll be the last time we ever compete in this pool. It'll be awful to leave."

Both teams are committed to making this senior day one to remember. While he admits that it is difficult to put the emotions aside, Lehrer seems ready for Army.

"Right now we're mostly concentrating on the meet ... on Army and what they have. It's going to be emotional, but we want to go out with a sweet victory."

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