SwimSwam welcomes reader submissions about all topics aquatic, and if it’s well-written and well-thought, we might just post it under our “Shouts from the Stands” series. We don’t necessarily endorse the content of the Shouts from the Stands posts, and the opinions remain those of their authors. If you have thoughts to share, please send them to [email protected].
Below, we bring a unique perspective on the current hazing situation at the University of Virginia – a wound that has been opened again after a civil lawsuit was filed by the alleged victim against the 5 swimmers who were suspended in the fall. The perspective is that of the 9 male class of 2015 recruits who will begin their time in Charlottesville in the fall. The letter has not been edited by SwimSwam in any way, and presents a ‘third side’ of this story.
In light of a few recent allegations and related negative press regarding the University of Virginia men’s swim team, we, the incoming men’s Class of 2019, want to share our perspective.
All nine of us stand by the University, the team and our coaching staff. Every single one of us fell in love with UVa and remain convinced it represents a perfect place to grow and reach our personal, academic and athletic goals. We are excited to come in and work hard, to do what is necessary for the team and for each other.
We are proud of the storied history of this program, one that includes 16 ACC championships. Our class has confidence in the experience and leadership of the upperclassmen, the present state of the team and our coaching staff. And, perhaps most importantly, we remain inspired and optimistic about the competitive future of the UVa Men’s Swim & Dive Team.
Our recruiting trips gave us the best look into the inner workings of the team and what each of us witnessed set UVa apart from every other school. The sense of family that embodies the current team is fantastic. Augie, Sam, Cliff, Cory, Kerry and Jason helped us believe that we are capable of achieving aggressive personal goals, ACC titles and anything we are willing to set our minds to. Our sails caught wind of their aspirations the moment we stepped onto “grounds” and there was no looking back. The class of 2019, men and women, is a special one and will continue to compete as ONE team with the same “V” on our chests. We share one common goal and the bond the Men’s Class of 2019 has already formed is remarkable. Countless hours have already gone into preparation for the season, setting goals for our individual class, and talking about how our class can contribute in every way possible to a UVa team that already has experienced success in the ACC. Over the next four years, as a team in Charlottesville, we are confident that this group of nine men will become part of a family and will establish a unity that will last long after our time at the University of Virginia. We are excited and honored to be able to represent UVa.
Recently we recounted some conversations about why we committed to the University of Virginia. As individuals, each of us had the option and opportunity to look into and commit to other universities. Ultimately, each of us were drawn to UVa, and a few common themes quickly became apparent. Class of 2019 member Alex Albracht summed it up precisely, “Ultimately, my college decision came down to three main points. My relationship with the coaches, the team dynamic and how I fit in, and the team’s ability to balance their academic, athletic and social lives.”
The men’s Class of 2019 is proud to be part of a great team and honored to have the opportunity to represent the University of Virginia for the next four years and for the rest of our lives.
Wahoowa!
University of Virginia Men’s Swim and Dive Class of 2019
Alex Albracht
Zach Fong
Dan Golczewski
Brandon Goldstein
Matt Hrabchak
Bryce Keblish
Gust Kouvaris
Sam Magnan
Murat Yildirim
I don’t see why everyone is making a big deal about this letter they wrote. All they’re doing is showing support for their school and program.
I was personally victimized by Zach Fong this year during high school swimming. UVA is recruiting these people that’s why they have these issues.
Personally victimized to you must mean absolutely annihilated in swimming. Zach Fong is a great kid. Lose the sensitivity.
UVa will be lucky to get a better recruiting class than BC
Go BC!!
The 9 young gentlemen who are the class of 2019 have been in contact with each other for some time and are forgeing a bond that would make Mr. Jefferson proud
because they are they are implementing his standards before they arrive. I think you will see some unique things from these young men that will make UVA proud they were accepted
Eating goldfish or drinking, can be part of a college experience as long as it isn’t forced on someone or bullying if they say no…..that is the leadership that needs to come from the older team members.
I am excited to see what the 1 st Years will attain both in the pool and as… Read more »
I applaud these 9 young men for noticing the unfortunate timing of this lawsuit(close to July 1). What I know of this program and current coaching staff is things are going really good. Swimmers like Leah Smith are continuing to improve on a successful career prior to UVA. I can only imagine this upcoming season will be a fun and exciting one for all of the athletes. Guessing Leah won’t be the only name to talk about. Nobody can take away the success of the previous regime and I really believe the current regime is only wanting to build on it. These 9 boys are sharing the main ingredient to success.. TEAM
The UVa Men’s Swim & Dive Program faced a perfect storm in 2013. The team strongly resisted (with the resistance reinforced by male alumni) the coaching change brought on by the departure of a beloved, long-time coach who was not allowed to “retire” on his own terms. Team members held fast to long-time “welcome rituals” whose time had expired. And Busch’s philosophy of NCAA results over conference results upset traditions. The women’s team bought in quickly and effectively as shown by their unexpectedly rapid rise to a top 5 NCAA finish. Hats off to these 9 incoming swimmers for forging a healthy bond before the season even begins. With their collective commitment to the best of the old and the… Read more »
I am very confused, how the heck did all nine of these incoming freshman write this?! Like seriously, if you think about it that must’ve taken a whole lot of planning.. Did one person start a group chat on Facebook and each decide to take a paragraph of it? Or, maybe they all shared with eachother their Google usernames and one started a Google doc that they could all edit and share their opinions in one place. But I really don’t think any one these individuals would go through the time or effort to coordinate all of this. What I believe happened is one kid wrote it and then signed it as “UVA class of 2019,” asked the coach for… Read more »
Tony Marc – we verified with all 9 signees that they all contributed to the sentiment and were willing signatories.
This is such a relevant argument! I bet the British were thinking the same thing when they received the Declaration of Independence!
“No way did 56 people author this document! You know what, I bet it was that Jefferson guy! I guess we better go to war.”
“Yeah, we better teach him a lesson. He might become the founder of one of the greatest public institutions potential America will ever see.”
Shooting the messenger instead of addressing the issue? I see a group of young men, mature beyond their years, standing for their beliefs. Props to them and a pox to those who would denigrate these young men for doing what so many refuse to do. We could all learn the lesson from these young men.
I hope you guys like goldfish 😉