Sports
Ferguson: ‘I Want To Do Better Than I Did At MAC’s’
By: Abigail Carnivale
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After a dominating performance in the Mid-American Conference tournament, Sophomore Addy Ferguson will be the only member of Ohio Swimming and Diving to represent the Bobcats at the NCAA Championships. She has been invited to race in the 100-yard backstroke and 100-yard butterfly competitions, starting March 20.
“I think it was Monday afternoon. I was just sitting there watching TV at home and I got a text,” Ferguson said. “Right after that I had to go to my club team and get in the water and start practicing.
“All my old coaches have been calling me, my teammates have been texting me,” she added. “Everyone is really excited.”
Ferguson returned to Athens, where she picked up practicing right where she left off. After just two days of rebuilding her endurance, she will begin the taper process for the second time this season. Ferguson is preparing for the competition with a personalized routine, decreasing her yardage in the two weeks leading up to the championships.
“You’re among the best swimmers in the country when you’re getting to this meet. This meet is harder to make than Olympic trials,” said Ferguson, offering perspective on the caliber of competition.
Ferguson had outstanding showings in both the 100-yard backstroke (53.10) and 100-yard butterfly (53.48), taking first in each event during the MAC tournament.
“I think it’s really exciting and just a huge accomplishment, so I want to go and not only do good, but I want do better than I did at MAC’s,” Ferguson said.
Ferguson had a slow start to her season after recovering from an injury and has spent much of the competitions out-swimming opponents while nursing an injured shoulder.
The NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships will be held March 20-22 in Minneapolis, Minn.