Senior Connor McCarthy has committed to continuing both his academic and swimming careers at Purdue University after four years of success on the boys’ swim and dive team here at Fenwick. Coach Steve Thompson reflected on Connor’s incredible hard work, saying, “I am touched by his humility and inspired by his resolve. Conner will continue to do great things at Purdue, and I am excited for him.” As a four-year varsity athlete and record holder here at Fenwick, Friar Nation is extremely excited to see what Connor will accomplish in the collegiate pool. 

The Wick: Why did you choose Purdue? 

Connor McCarthy (C. M.): I committed to Purdue because I felt Purdue was an amazing fit for [me] for several reasons. First, when I visited the campus I had the chance to meet Purdue’s swim coach and swimmers on the team. I felt I had the best relationship with Purdue’s swim coach and thought the Purdue swimmers were an amazing group of guys. I’m very excited for the opportunity to continue my swimming career in college largely because I love the sport and the amazing swimming community.

Wick: What aspect of Fenwick swimming will you miss the most?

C. M.: I will miss my teammates from this year. This is very clearly a tight-knit community and one that all the swimmers are proud to have been a part of. This is especially true because of the valuable lessons the swimmers can take away from a multitude of sources.

Wick: What is the best piece of advice you have received?

C. M.: I learned from my dad that “hard work doesn’t happen instantly.” From my Coach Steve Thompson I was taught “consistency is key.” On the other hand, I always have known that “you can’t get the results in the pool without working hard.”

Wick: What is your favorite stroke to swim?

C. M.: I really [like] butterfly even though it is the hardest stroke for [me] to swim, but it feels good once I get in the groove of it.

Wick: What accomplishments have made you the most proud?

C. M.: I was really proud to be named athlete of the month as a junior swimmer but also loved winning 12th place at state in the 100 medley relay and winning 7th place at state in the 100 free relay.

As the boys’ swimming and diving season draws to a close, Connor will soon swim his last race as a Friar. But his journey does not end there as his next chapter at Purdue is only beginning.