True believer

Buffalo swimming and diving head coach Andy Bashor has a lot of experience as a swimmer and coach. The seasoning he received before coming to Buffalo has positioned the Bulls to succeed in the future with him at the helm.

???Bashor, in his second year as coach of the women's team and his first year leading the men's team, has been around the pool long enough to know when a team is strong. With both teams failing to produce successful seasons over the past few years, Bashor and his staff realized they have some work to do in order to get to the top of the Mid-American Conference.

???"The goal for the men's team is to finish second in the MAC," he said. "The goal for the women's team is fifth in the MAC."

???Bashor describes his team as one looking to improve and possibly reach the upper echelon of the MAC swimming world.

???"Other schools are just better," Bashor said. "Recruiting is a key way in getting better as a program."

???Bashor has not always had to struggle in mediocrity. The four-year letter winner at North Carolina State followed his swimming tenure with coaching stints at Ohio University, University of California at Santa Barbara and Rutgers. Each of these schools had successful programs when Bashor joined them.

???Bashor joined Buffalo to bring an up-and-coming program to realize its potential.

???"Those other schools were already established programs," he said. "I want us to eventually become MAC champions, and it can happen."

???According to Bashor, he provides a relaxed atmosphere for all of his athletes. His office is open for any and all visitors to pop in and provides the perfect remedy for any tired and aching body. He also makes sure that the environment that surrounds the Alumni Arena Natatorium is one that is carefree and laid back. This is because Bashor realizes that his swimmers have more on their minds than swimming.

???"The most difficult challenge of this job is to have the swimmers keep their focus," Bashor said. "The combination of rigorous school work and training at 100 percent is tough."

???Members of the swimming and diving teams truly appreciate Bashor's techniques.

???"He always expects 100 percent from us," said junior swimmer Kim Dale. "He truly believes in us no matter what it is we are doing. He is someone you can look up to as a coach."

???Bashor has been looking and anxiously waiting for his chance to lead a swim team. Ever since he was named captain of the N.C. State swim team during his senior year, coaching intrigued him.

???"It would have been great if I could have been faster, but it would have been even greater if I could have motivated my team better," he said.

???Looking back on his swimming days, Bashor remembered the head coaches that he worked for. Reminiscing on his former coaches' techniques helped Bashor realized that there are still ways that he can improve as a coach.

???"Coming up with ways to creatively train swimmers is important," he said. "It's not about just doing the same thing every time. It is also important to try to train swimmers individually, focus on their weaknesses and try to improve each swimmer individually."

???No matter how the swim teams finish this season, Buffalo should be assured that Bashor is a coach who truly cares about his team.