The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Out of the blocks: Fifteen minutes with senior Elizabeth Wycliffe
10.28.2005 | Women's Swimming and Diving
As you enter the Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center, the first things you notice are the smell of chlorine and hint of humidity, both common in any aquatic facility around the country. The next thing you recognize is loud chanting, cheering sounds echoing from the corridors that lead to the stands and your first view of Texas' swimming and diving facility.
"Whose house? Horns' house! Whose house? Horns' house! How do you feel? We feel GREAT! How do you feel? We feel GREAT! Where my Horns at? Yeah! Where my Horns at? Whoo Whoo!"
This is only one of the chants you will hear when you enter the Texas Swimming Center. The resounding cries are a pure rush of adrenaline and energy from the intense and enthusiastic swimmers cheering for the win.
Then you trace the cheers to an individual like Texas senior Elizabeth Wycliffe. Outside the water, Wycliffe is one of the most vocal Longhorns, encouraging others across the finish line.
"We like to yell and be loud," Wycliffe says. "It pumps us up and gets our energy high. It lets the other team know we are ready to compete."
More important, you may recognize her inside the pool as Texas' All-American backstroke specialist. Wycliffe who continues to impress her fans, teammates and her coaches year in and year out.
The No. 7-ranked UT swim program has bred the best of the best when it comes to Olympic medalists and All-American swimmers. With her past NCAA and Big 12 championship experience combined with her goal of finishing her solid final laps, Wycliffe has chance to leave a legacy as one of UT's finest swimmers in history.
Her accomplishments speak for themselves -- she's a three-time All-American and 2004 Big 12 champion in the 200-yard backstroke.
"Elizabeth is what this program is all about," Texas co-head coach Jill Sterkel said. "When Elizabeth came here, we knew she would do great things, and each year she has taken a step forward and improved. She thrives on rising to the challenge."
Wycliffe, who hails from Kingston, Ontario, has set her senior season goals to range from winning a team national championship to medaling individually at the NCAA Championships. She readily intends to accomplish these goals this season with her own focus and the support from her team.
It is in her attitude and sheer passion for competing that you truly see the dedication Wycliffe displays every day to encourage teammates and motivate herself.
"I want people to remember my hard work and determination when I leave Texas," Wycliffe says. "Anyone can have talent, but that will only get you so far in the pool, in the classroom and in life."
As the 2005-06 season begins, Wycliffe's sharp focus resumes. While her first priority remains the team goal of a national championship, there is one school record that is just begging to be broken...by Wycliffe.
"Every day I look up and see former Olympian and All-American Whitney Hedgepeth's name next to the 200 backstroke team record, and I have to beat it," she says. Her record of 1:52.98 in three-inch red letters welcomes and taunts Wycliffe every time she enters and exits the pool. Her career best stands at 1:55.03 during the 2004-05 season.
The record time which beckons on the UT record board hanging high above the pool is as motivating as an inspirational quote by Vince Lombardi or JFK, and is an ever-present reminder of her goal.
Wycliffe must prepare mentally -- as well as physically-- in order to win more races and break records.
"I usually try to run through my race in my head a few times. It's different for every competition, but I like to focus on a few keys each race -- like stroke rate for the 100 back or maximizing my kick off the walls in the freestyle," Elizabeth explained.
Besides watching Wycliffe put her mental exercises into practice and out-race her opponents, she also claims that when you come to a meet at the Jamail Swim Center, you are guaranteed a good experience.She promises that.
"Our home schedule is packed with great competitions," Wycliffe states. "Every year the schedule has really improved and has gotten more challenging. Every meet can be a challenge and there is always at least a few good head-to-head races every meet, no matter what," she said.
The Longhorns are coming off a strong showing at the 2005 Big 12 Relays last weekend at Missouri. The Longhorns will hit the pool again Friday and Saturday, Oct. 28-29, when they travel to No. 4-ranked Stanford for a dual meet with the Cardinal.
A meet against the likes of the Cardinal is sure to bring out the best in Wycliffe, as she chases all her goals in her final year as a Longhorn.
