PITMAN--There's no doubt the NJAC boasts some extremely talented athletes but we want fans to know that there's more to these athletes than just their accomplishments on the field, court, etc. The NJAC Student-Athlete Spotlight highlights one student-athlete each Friday.
 
The NJAC Student-Athlete Spotlight for the week ending February 2nd comes from Rowan University. Read about Michael Simunek, a sophomore swimmer from Cherry Hill, NJ currently pursuing a Mechanical Engineering degree. 
 
 
Name: Michael Simunek
Institution: Rowan University
Year: Sophomore
Sport: Swimming
Hometown, State: Cherry Hill, NJ
High School: Cherry Hill High School East
Major: Mechanical Engineering
 
What made you choose your institution?
A combination of Rowan's renown engineering program and successful swim team.
 
What made you want to be a DIII collegiate athlete?
I needed a way to fuel my drive to compete and succeed at something I truly enjoy, swimming. 
As a DIII athlete I get to be part of a team, and push myself to the limit everyday. That's what I love about swimming.
 
What was your first memory of playing your sport?
I have been swimming since I was 6 years old. A pool club in my neighborhood had a practice for kids first learning to swim, it was called 'training squad'. I would go to practice each day to learn the basics of swimming, and sometimes compete in kick board races. From that point on I was hooked on swimming, and I haven't stopped swimming since then.
 
What has been the greatest or most memorable moment of your experienece as a collegiate athlete?
The College of New Jersey has been one of Rowan's Swim and Dive rivals for as long as the two schools have been competing. One of the most memorable races of my career happened at one of these meets. TCNJ has an athlete who was considered unbeatable among my peers at Rowan. His time in the 200 breaststroke was significantly faster than mine, and would require a miracle for me to drop enough time to beat him. That day I learned miracles do happen. I was put in a race next to this unbeatable kid. With the support of the whole team cheering for me every time I took a stroke, and the pain my body endured as I pushed myself to the limit, I was able to win the 2 minute and 8 second race with pride. I was able to do something others thought was impossible. The high fives and congratulations I got after the race is something I will remember forever.
 
Do you have any pregame rituals? If so, what are they?
Overall I am a low-key type swimmer, modest at best. I don't do anything that will call attention to myself on the deck. But before every race I do the same series of stretches and jumps that prepare my body to race. It helps me relax, get loose, and get my blood flowing.
 
What famous athlete do you look up to and why?
When I was around 10 years old I was lucky enough to meet Lenny Krayzelburg, a former world record holder and gold medalist in the 100 and 200 backstroke. He told me to keep working hard and I will achieve greatness. It felt amazing to have a world record holder believe in me, and I remembered that moment from that day on.
 
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years I see myself working for the Naval Surface Warfare Center as a Mechanical Engineer. I will also be pursuing my masters in Mechanical Engineering, because like swimming, I will not stop until I become the best (or learn as much as I can).
 
What is your favorite part about being an NJAC student-athlete?
As a student athlete I love being a leader, and being someone others look up to. As an engineer my work load with school is tough, and to balance that with swimming is even tougher. People often ask me "how do you do it all?" And I tell them you can do anything you can put your mind to. I am an example for those who think you "can't do it all". Every day proving that they are wrong, and that anything is possible.
 
What is your biggest accomplishment off the field, court, etc?
My senior year of high school I qualified for a prestigious swim meet in Florida. I achieved a qualifying time in the 100 breaststroke for NCSA winter age group nationals. This meet is attended by the best age group swimmers (18 and under) in the country. That was a pretty cool accomplishment.
 
Quick facts about Michael:
 
3 things you can't live without: I love my sleep, my bike, and books
Favorite movie: Hanna
Favorite class you've ever taken: Strength of Materials
Favorite food: Goulash
Biggest fear: Being locked in a dark small room
Favorite musical artist: Midnight Oil