The St. Thomas men’s swimming and diving team looks to build on the 2008-2009 season when it finished third in the MIAC.

But this year, the Tommies face other challenges in addition to MIAC competitors. Outside of the water, the destruction of O’Shaughnessy Hall will take away the regular swimming facilities.

“If anything, I believe it will bring us closer,” said coach Tom Hodgson. “We may face some minor inconveniences, but there is nothing that will get in our way unless we let it. We’ll come out of this stronger for having faced a little adversity, which will then make our successes at the end of the season that much sweeter.”

As for production once in the water, the team turns to seniors Peter Mullee, John Stark, Kirkland Stearns, juniors Grant Frost and Matt Moore and sophomore Erik Huls.

Mullee aims to improve on last season when he broke MIAC records in the 50-yard freestyle in addition to the 100 and 200 backstroke. Mullee broke the NCAA record for the 200 backstroke at nationals last year yet still placed second.

Mullee has high hopes again

“My personal goal for the season is to repeat exactly what I did last season in the MIAC,” Mullee said. “I want to win an NCAA title in any event.”

Mullee fractured his wrist in the summer, but has since completely healed, leaving him ready for the season. As a senior, Mullee has taken a leadership role on the team.

“I’ve tried to take it upon myself to be a leader in the water,” he said. “I let them know to have fun, because having fun will create positive energy which results in great workouts.”

Mullee says Huls is one of his biggest competitors in the 50 free.

“Erik is a great asset to our men’s team,” Mullee said. “He is dominant in all of his events and tough to race against.”

Huls won the 100 butterfly in the MIAC last season, setting a MIAC record and earning All-American honors.

Hodgson looks for major contributions from the freshman class such as Ryan Panure, Jeff Isaacson and Lucas Brandt just to name a few.

Hodgson said the men’s first-year class is the best in school history. Mullee likes the depth the freshmen bring.

“Our biggest strength is our depth,” Mullee said. “We are deep in all of the events, an improvement from last year, primarily from the freshmen.”

Olaf will be biggest challenge

Mullee and Hodgson agree that St. Olaf poses the biggest challenge within the MIAC. Gustavus is also poised for a strong season.

Mullee believes the team is capable of a MIAC championship. “We haven’t won the MIAC in a very long time,” he said. “I also think with the new freshmen I think we will win both the 200 and 400 medley relays. Another goal of ours is to have several relays qualify for the NCAAs.”

Hodgson has a goal for this team to break 90 percent of St. Thomas’ swimming records.

“We will be able to put together relays with anyone in the country, I hope,” Hodgson said.

Danny Grimmer can be reached at degrimmer@stthomas.edu