Part of the way into one of Saint Louis University’s most promising seasons for swimming and diving team in recent years, senior Brad Byars has realized the potential that his team holds.

“The team does a good job of fostering support,” Byars said. “We are together so much with classes; we eat and train together; we’ve become a family. We hang out a lot and support each other in the pool and in the classroom.”

Byars said that his individual success thus far this season has inspired his hope that the team will step up and achieve similar success.

He also said that the road toward becoming captain the last three years has helped him mature as a swimmer.

“When I came in as a freshman, I was pretty cocky,” Byars said. “If my name wasn’t on the records, it would have been disappointing. Now I need to focus on getting the team to the next level.”

Byars said that he sees potential in this team to place well at the Atlantic 10 Conference Championships.

“As long as we keep from making big mistakes out of the pool and stay motivated and focused, then, yeah, I think we can surprise some people up in the northeast,” Byars said. “If we don’t concentrate on what we are supposed to do as athletes, then it could be like any other year.”

To avoid having another stagnant year, Byars said he has set high goals for his final season at SLU.

“I think I am now seeded first in the 100 and the 200 [freestyle] and second fastest in the 50,” Byars said. “I won’t be satisfied unless I’m standing on the podium with the gold medal around my neck.”

Byars also wants to prove to the people in his hometown that SLU is for real.

“We have a tough invite against Southern Illinois, which is where I’m from,” Byars said. “I would love to go down there and light them up. Nothing would make me happier. I want to go back home and show them that I made the right decision in coming to SLU-that would be a huge thing for me.”