GNAC Student-Athlete Spotlight - Troy Dundas

Troy Dundas, who just started his collegiate swimming career this year as a junior at Norwich, didn't expect to win any awards. So, when he was named GNAC swimmer of the week after posting wins in the 50 and 100-yard freestyle and being part of the Cadets 200-yard medley relay win, he didn't even believe his own mother when she broke the news to him.

"The way my mom described it was she Googles her children once in a while and my name came up," Dundas said. "I thought she didn't know what she was talking about. I got a first place and that's what I thought she meant. Then coach said I got it."

Once he realized it was real, Dundas was happy he was able to make his parents proud and knew it could add fuel to his fire.

"It's really great to have something like this," Dundas said. "It is able to motivate me to finish out the season a lot stronger and with faster times."

This is only Dundas' third overall season after swimming his junior and senior years in high school. A few of his friends at Norwich were on the team and his passion for the sport was calling him to get back into the pool.

There was definitely a learning curve for the Sparta, New Jersey native, who noticed a steep jump in competition not only from the opposition but also within his own team.

"I knew the kids who were on the team were going to be pretty seasoned athletes and I knew the freshman were going to be fresh coming out of high school but also competing very hard to earn their spots on the team. So I knew it was going to be very competitive," Dundas said.

Despite the intra-team competition, Dundas said the early going was fun because it was a relaxed, but serious environment. It is that type of environment that Dundas likes about the sport in general.

"It's nice," Dundas said. "It's very standard throughout all teams and communities who swim. Once you get in the water though it's all business."

When Dundas turn to that all business attitude and gets in the water he has a very simple strategy, get in the pool fast, swim fast, get out fast and rest.

His favorite race to employ that strategy in is the 50 free.

"I like the energy that goes into it," Dundas said. "Not only from the swimmers involved but from the teammates that support you and the spectators."

That support is one of the keys to swimming for Dundas who sees it as an individual sport where your teammates can help push you by helping you out. One of Dundas' goals is to be as supportive to his teammates as possible.

"Always say good job, help them in or out of the pool," Dundas said. "Whether that be personal problems or academic problems. Try to have a little fun out of the pool as well with extracurricular activities."

That support also bleeds into another one of Dundas' favorite events, the 200 free relay. The event features a lot of teamwork according to Dundas and with that comes some added pressure.

"You don't wanna let your teammates down especially if it's a close race," Dundas said. "You wanna go faster so you can help your teammates."

The camaraderie the Norwich team has developed helped them win the GNAC Invitational for the third consecutive year back in December. It was special for Dundas because it was the first time he participated in an event like that.

With the regular season now behind him, Dundas can set his eyes on his senior season when he looks to continue to trend upwards. He also hopes the team can develop an even deeper bond. 

*Written by GNAC Communications Specialist, Eddie Lockhart