Photo: St. Bonaventure Athletics
BY: LEAH ANSON AND LUCAS PANNOZZO, CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
The 2024-25 swim and dive season is here, and St. Bonaventure University’s seniors said they look to leave a memorable mark on their athletic and academic journey.
With the men’s team, ranked number two in the Atlantic 10 preseason poll, senior breast/free Knute Wargin said he looks to be a vital piece in the team’s success this season.
“My goals for the season are the same as last year’s — to perform my best and get as many points as possible for the team for A-10s,” said Wargin.
Wargin, in his final season, understands the importance of being a leader on the team, he said.
“I personally try to lead by example,” said Wargin. “I think it’s important to be a good role model for all the other teammates.”
Fellow senior fly/back Alexander Behr’s views of leadership are similar to those of Wargin and his teammates. He said he advocates for positive team chemistry and strong motivation.
“I strive to be the leader that people come to if they struggle or if they have problems with anything,” said Behr. “I am trying to be the motivator, the hardest worker and somebody people can rely on. That for me is ‘Leadership by example.”
Behr said he has hopes of reclaiming the A-10 title.
“I want to be the best leader I can for the team and push us to reclaim the A-10 title in February,” Behr said.
On the women’s side, senior free/fly Halle Myers, coming off a torn labrum this past summer, hopes to have a successful and healthy season, she said.
“My team goals for this year would include top five for the women’s team at conference,” said Myers.
Freshman freestyle Phoebe McClaren said she values the words of encouragement the seniors give her.
“They cheer me on when I swim and make sure to be there for me if I need anything,” said McClaren.
McClaren, along with other swimmers, agree that seniors have been playing a key role in the leadership aspect of the team, she said.
The Bonnies seniors said they want to leave behind an impressive legacy by leading the many who look up to them.
Senior free/back Caitlyn Clements said she wants to be remembered for being enthusiastic and uplifting.
“I want my legacy to be about positivity and encouragement,” said Clements. “I love being a source of laughter for my teammates during hard practices and tiring meets.”
Senior back/IM Margaret Holst uses her teammates as motivation and as a source of inspiration to keep swimming forward, she said.
“I would want my legacy to be a strong leader and supportive teammate/friend,” said Holst. “I care about everyone on the team and always want to do my part to make sure they can perform at their best.”
Clements agreed.
“Knowing that I am swimming for my teammates every time I touch the water reminds me to show up each day and give my best effort possible,” said Clements.
The Bonnies return to action on Oct. 5 against Niagara University at home.
ansonlr24@bonaventure.edu., pannozl24@bonaventure.edu
