Meet this week’s Campus Celebrity, Sam Gill! Sam gives us all the details on his recent swimming accomplishments at the NCAAs. Plus, he clues us in on his favorite things to do besides swimming!
Hometown: Springfield, Illinois
Class Year: 2014
Major/Minor: Economics major and History minor
Extra Curricular Activities: Swimming, Sailing, Surfing, Kiteboarding, and Long-boarding
Tell us about your recent swimming accomplishments!
I recently won the 100 yard Backstroke and finished 2nd in the 100 yard Butterfly at NCAAs in Indianapolis over spring break. Myself and my fellow teammates also placed 6th in the 200 yard Freestyle relay and top 16 in the other 3 relays, which landed us in 12th place overall at the end of the meet.
When did you start swimming?
I started swimming when I was 3, but didn’t take my talents to competition until the old age of 9. All 4 of my uncles were All-Americans and my great aunt was a silver medalist in the Backstroke at the Pan-American games, so you could say that swimming is in my blood. Also, I’ve always loved water-sports so it was pretty obvious that I’d be a swimmer, but I never could’ve imagined I’d be a national champion one day.
What is your favorite part about being on the swim team here at Conn?
The guys on the team have always been the greatest aspect of my time at Conn, and being able to share so many amazing memories with the boyz has been unforgettable.
What is the best memory you have with your teammates?
This year’s NESCAC meet, hands down. Every year I’ve been here we have improved our team NESCAC performance significantly, and this year was no exception. We won 4 out of the 5 relays, I was honored as Swimmer of the Meet, and our coach was named Coach of the Year for the second year in a row.
Any pre-meet rituals?
Nothing specific, just a light stretch.
Favorite place on campus?
Tempel Green when it’s nice out is hard to beat. Also, I’m a big fan of the Black Garden.
Favorite meal from Harris (if you still have one after four years)?
I will always love a good breakfast sandwich. I can throw together a mean bowl of cereal as well.
And lastly, the dreaded but essential question: Any plans for after graduation?
Nothing definite at this point. I’d really like to take some time off and travel, but I’ll most likely head back West to work in Chicago when that time comes.