Promising Seniors-To-Be 2007: Ricky Henahan

PHOENIX, Arizona, May 12. RICKY Henahan, who swims for Matt Muratore of Irondequoit High of Rochester, N.Y., and Mike Kennedy of the Fairport Area Swim Team of Fairport, N.Y., took time out to speak to SwimmingWorldMagazine.com as part of the Promising Seniors-To-Be series.

As of the May 8 National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association (NISCA) release of All-American candidates, Henahan holds the fourth-fastest 100 back time in the nation with a 49.65. He also is in the 50 free list with a 21.50.

Here is our interview with Henahan:

Was there a watershed mark in your career that made it clear you had a gift for the sport and could achieve big things?
Yes there was a watershed mark for me in my career. When I was 10 years old, I came to the realization that I had a lot of talent and potential for the sport because it was when I was 10 years old that I made the Niagara District zone team. After that, I knew I possessed a special talent that would some day take me to great places that I had never even imagined that I could achieve.

What type of interaction do you have with your coach when it comes to training? What kind of input do you have?
With my team, it isn't just one coach, all three of my coaches help me in their own way. For instance, coach Mike Kennedy helps me grow as a person. In a practice, he will motivate me to keep swimming and finish the sets with all my heart. He also takes me aside at times to discuss my goals for my season and how best to execute them. Coach Ryan Callan helps me with the technical aspect of my training. He's always making sure my stroke technique is top notch and is always willing to help me when I ask him to. Last but not least, coach Marci Callan helps me by giving me many opportunities to excel in the sport such as setting up Olympic athletes to come to our district and train with us. She also takes us to large meets, where we are able to gain the experience we need to compete at a high level.

What are your goals for your senior season?
For my senior season, I hope to get my Olympic Trials cut in the 100 backstroke and 200 backstroke, as well as excel in different events such as the 100 fly and the 50, 100 and 200 freestyles. Also, I'm going to focus on the nutrition aspect of swimming. What I mean by that is keep away from soda, white bread and any unhealthy foods in general. Also, for the state meet in March, I hope to break my 100-yard backstroke state record and break the 100 fly state record as well.

Who has made the biggest impact on your swimming career to this point?
I'd have to say Josh Davis has made the biggest impact on my career. While doing a clinic in Rochester, I was fortunate enough to have him stay at my house for the duration of his trip which had a huge impact on me. He taught me a lot about nutrition, training, and even motivating myself and keeping my goals in perspective. It was a truly life-changing experience for me. and because of Josh. I am now more dedicated then I ever had been in my life.

Have you verbally committed to any University? If so, which one and why? If not, who is in your top five and why?
I have not verbally committed to any college yet but my top choice is Stanford, because of its prestige as a top notch swimming school and of its high quality education that it offers. My other top choices include Notre Dame, Kentucky, Penn State and Florida State, because I believe that in all these schools, I would be able to excel as an athlete as well as make a difference on the team.

What has the recruiting process been like for you?
As of right now, I haven't really looked to deeply into colleges. I've only just began the recruiting process. But, getting letters from all the different schools is definitely a cool experience as well as a big motivator to keep my grades up and swim well.

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