By Justine Benzen
UWRF Sports Information

When it comes to dedication, excitement and leadership qualities, senior swimmer Ryan Smaagard comes to mind.

Besides staying busy as a swimmer and a psychology major, he also is involved with resident hall activities and tries to stay close with friends.

"Ryan is really valuable. Younger swimmers look to him for leadership skills and guidance," said Falcon Coach Bill Henderson.

Smaagard is in his fourth season with the Falcons and brings the team experience and depth.

'Ryan is one of three seniors on the team," said Henderson. "He is also the first to swim all four years during my coaching experience at River Falls. This means a lot to me."

Smaagard says his biggest accomplishment during his swimming career would be his record-breaking times. He also says that he acts as an entertainer on the team.  

"I like to see the team enjoying themselves, as well as getting good times and getting better."

Before college, Smaagard attending White Bear Lake High School and swam with the YMCA team. Smaagard says there was not a whole lot of competition or training at the YMCA, but this gave him the opportunity to practice and work on desired strokes.

After all of his hard work, Smaagard has had the third all-time fastest time in the 50 freestyle (22.02) in 2004.   He has the schools third fastest time in 100 fly (54.61) in 2004.   He has the eighth fastest time in the 100 breaststroke (1:04.43) and the 10th fastest time in the 200 breaststroke (2:23.72) in 2003.

Smaagard has also been in two record setting relays: 200 and 400 freestyle relay.

Henderson says Smaagard takes swimming very seriously. "He is a very hard worker and it shows."  Henderson also says Smaagard's strengths are his intensity, his hard work, and his serious attitude.

The team relies on Smaagard for relay events. "Having Ryan in relays really helps out the team because he is a strong sprinter," says Henderson.

Besides swimming, Smaagard is a pretty "goofy character. "I enjoy doing a lot of things, having a good time, and sprucing up people's lives." Sometimes Smaagard and his roommate, Jason Chorba, play loud "weird" music in between peoples classes. Smaagard and Chorba sing, dance and wave at people walking by. "People laugh at us when they are going or coming from classes. We hope it makes their day better," said Smaagard.

After Smaagard gets his rush of laughter, he also takes time to communicate with others. "I love talking with people and listening. I am very open with things."   Maybe it's the psychology aspect of him coming out?

After graduation, Smaagard plans to attend graduate at UW-RF for counseling.