As a freshman, swimmer Frank Dyer is making an impact both in the lanes and in the locker room. The freestyle specialist holds the top times for the Notre Dame team in four events this year, and has become a key member of a strong Irish squad.
When Notre Dame (5-3) hosts the Shamrock Invitational this weekend, Dyer will be one of the swimmers to watch. Having swum the 50-, 100-, 200-, 500- and 1,000-yard freestyles this year, Dyer can claim the team's best time for the events in all but the 50-yard freestyle, which remains in the control of senior Michael Sullivan.
"[Dyer]'s one of the most versatile swimmers we have and excels at just about every distance of the freestyle events," Sullivan says.
While Dyer earns high praise from his upperclassman and teammate for his success in nearly every distance, one length remains his race of choice.
"My favorite race is the 500 freestyle," he says, "because it is the perfect length to not completely sprint but always gives you time to set up and prepare your plan of attack."
Evident in Dyer's description of the 500-yard freestyle is his calculating mindset, the type which is usually associated with a seasoned veteran. His maturity and desire to learn are, according to Dyer himself, a big part of why he has been able to succeed as a freshman.
"I have really trusted the program," he said.
Dyer enjoyed success during his time in high school in Loudonville, N.Y., where he was a team captain, state champion, and All-American, but the transition to college swimming still presented some challenges.
"My biggest key to being successful so quickly is to keep a level head," Dyer said. "Our first meet held such a different atmosphere from my high school meets that I knew that just needed to keep doing what I had been to do well."
In fact, the freshman has been doing exceedingly well, and has also assumed a leadership role on the team.
"I am comfortable being a leader as a freshman," Dyer said. "I think that anyone can win races but not everyone can win races and contribute positive energy to the team."
Dyer's ability to spread a positive atmosphere by doling out encouragement to his teammates has helped him win the support of the others on the team in return.
"It's been awesome to train with him," Sullivan said, "and I'm really excited to see how fast he goes at the championship meets this year."
