In the swim

Evan Schmid, who studies neuroscience, has made the cut as an Academic All Canadian. (Nick Pearce Photo)

Every year, the Canadian Interuniversity Sport releases its list of Academic All Canadians, students who have managed to maintain above an 80 per cent average while participating in varsity sports. The achievements of Dal’s Academic All Canadians will be celebrated at a luncheon today, Wednesday, Nov. 18.
 
But it’s not an honour that comes without its challenges.

A fourth-year student studying neuroscience, Evan Schmid is one of the team captains of Dalhousie’s varsity swim team.
 
“(Swimming) is something I’ve been doing since I was a kid,” says Mr. Schmid, who qualified for the CIS championships in Vancouver last year. “It’s just been a gradual progression. It’s been going really well.”

As any student athlete can attest, it’s a progression that without careful time management, can take its toll. Mr. Schmid spends about 20 hours a week training, while still finding time to maintain his schoolwork and also serve as a peer mentor.

“You just have to be really organized, and look ahead so that you can plan things,” he says, pointing out his ability to prioritize as something that has contributed to his success. “School comes first, but if you look at everything ahead of time, you can plan around them.”

As for the future, Mr. Schmid intends to apply for law school after graduating later this year, and hopes to stay involved with swimming on some level even after finishing with varsity sport. Although he says this is probably his last season on the team, “it’s definitely a sport that I’ll carry with me throughout my entire life.”

He also encourages all Dalhousie students to attend swim meets. “People should come out and check it out. They maybe don’t understand swimming all that well because maybe it’s not a sport they’ve had a lot of exposure to. We’ve got a really great team, and we’re going to be one of the top teams in the country this year.”