There is no doubt that a youth movement is in full swing within the John Carroll swimming & diving program.

Yet there is still a place for grizzled veterans like Matt Finney.

With the Ohio Athletic Conference championships just around the corner, the senior swimmer and native of Upper Arlington, Ohio, has found time to reflect back on his time in the sport and his days at John Carroll University.

“Swimming here at John Carroll has been a great experience … giving me the opportunity to meet a lot of amazing people over my years,” Finney said. “I have also regained my passion for the sport of swimming, not concerning myself as much with how I perform but simply enjoying the sport itself.”

A swimmer since the first grade, Finney continued into his high school days as a Golden Bear from Upper Arlington High School. He was a major force on a very good team.

“Swimming in high school was a great time in my life because Upper Arlington has a rich tradition in swimming and I had the opportunity to swim with many great swimmers who were also great friends,” recalled Finney

Finney has seen success in many events and is listed as a backstroke, butterfly and an individual medley swimmer. Over his four years on the team, his highlights have included several all-conference swims in the 400 IM, the 200 Fly, and the Free Relay.

But the consumate team player in a sport high on individual accomplishments is able to put all those events in the proper perspective. 

“My greatest swimming accomplishment in terms of individual achievement would probably be my 2nd place finish in the 200 butterfly my freshman year,” he said. “However, my fondest memories are from having the opportunity to swim in the finals with three of the six captains I have had while here at John Carroll.”

John Carroll was not necessarily on his radar when he began thinking about college. In fact, Finney literally happened upon the school thanks to a letter sent by none other than JCU head coach Matt Lenhart. Eventually, John Carroll would become the only school he applied to, and after getting in he was influenced by the late Dr. Cenker to decide upon his Business Logistics major.

Finney, like many athletes before him, has performed that balancing act of academics and athletics. Fortunately, he balanced it well and has been able to complete four years in the sport -- a feat which is not that common as only six seniors will graduate from the team this year.

As a departing senior, he is encouraged by where the Blue Streaks are heading.

“This year we got an exceptional group of freshman to build on our great class from last year and I am excited to see how everyone does at OAC's because we have a lot of potential on this team,” Finney said.

When assessing the goals for the team, Finney noted that swimming is sort of an all-or-nothing sport where most of the teams' goals can only be achieved at the end of the season based on the way they train. The OAC championships will be held at the University of Akron in Akron, Ohio. Competition starts Thursday, February 19, and run through Saturday, February 21. The events are set to start at 11 am.

“I don't think how we finish will determine if our season was a success or not because we cannot control what other people do,” he said, “but I do think we are ready to swim some great times and that should put us in a good position.” 

While Finney feels that the upcoming OAC's are bittersweet, he is proud to have completed four years of swimming at the college level.

“I know I will miss all the people on the team,” he said. “I will miss the atmosphere of college swimming which is something that cannot be duplicated.”