Anthony Yarusso

By Katie Velebir
UWRF Sports Information

Anthony Yarusso will be finishing up his junior year at UW-River Falls as well as his third season on the Falcon swim team.

Yarusso is a key competitor on the Falcon squad and his presence gives the team a boost both in and out of the water. Falcon Head Coach William Henderson enjoys having Yarusso on the team, "Anthony is a very popular member of the team and his personality helps keep the team loose," he explained.

Yarusso, originally from St.Paul, Minn. where he attended Johnson high school, attributes his great physical condition to competing in meets throughout high school and now on the college level. "Swimming has turned me into a better person, more physically active especially over winter when you can't go outside," Yarusso explains.

Yarusso resides in May Hall and when he isn't busy swimming he enjoys hanging out with friends and playing video games and "studying a bit". After practices he is tied and retires to his dorm. "I just want to sit and do nothing for the rest of the night," he jokes.

Like most college students Yarusso likes movies and music. Among his favorite music groups are; +44, Angels and Airwaves and Amber Pacific. He enjoys action and comedy movies such as; Dumb & Dumber, Batman Begins and Godfather: Part II.

Yarusso is close with his family. His parents are Dan and Wendy and he describes his younger brother Nick as his "best friend."

Swimming has played a dynamic role in Yarusso's life for quite some time. As a result, he plans on sticking with it long after he finishes his career as a Falcon. "It has been a part of my life for so long that I don't ever want to give it up, hopefully I can coach and continue to swim daily," he said.

Henderson admires Yarusso's progress throughout the three years that he has coached him. "He has become a stronger and stronger breaststroke swimmer . As he has gotten in better shape and stronger overall he has improved each year."

One thing that Yarusso would like to see change is fan interest. "People should try to make it to meets more often and expand our fan base. I do want to thank those that do for their support," he explained.

Yarusso expects to graduate in 2009 with a degree in broad field social studies. Upon graduation he hopes to teach history in high school and coach swimming as well.