Air Force Academy

Nov. 17, 2011

Corydon Butler of Air Force men's swimming is in his senior season at Air Force. He has helped the Falcons to a 8-5 record to open the 2011 season. He recently stopped for a chat with Cadet Third Class Ben Scott.

Can you give us an assessment on how the team has done so far this season?

So far this season the team has been working hard in both the pool and the weight room. Not only that but outside of the practice arena the team has excelled and performed phenomenally. The guys have really stepped up when it’s mattered most.

As a senior how has your role on the team changed from your previous three years?

As senior I don’t think the role changes significantly from years past. As always the upper three set the example for the freshmen in the pool when it comes to how hard we work, and this year has been no different. However, this is a team sport and it takes everyone working hard as a team to generate success.

Do you feel any added pressure to make sure you’re providing the team with the leadership it needs to succeed?

No, we train as a team, we race as a team, and most importantly we win as a team.

The team has a big meet coming up this weekend at the Arena Invitational in Long Beach, what are you guys as a team looking to accomplish this weekend?

This weekend at the meet formerly known as Speedo Cup, formerly known as Nike Cup, formerly known as Toshiba Classic, and now known as the Arena Invite, the team is really looking to set the tone for this year. With this meet we can really put ourselves in a great position for the conference meet. There will be fast swimming at this meet, that’s always the case. However, this year I think we can really set ourselves apart from the other teams in the conference.

What are some of the goals for the team as you head into rest of the season? And what are some of your personal goals?

For me personally, I look to grab an Olympic Trials cut at Nationals in Atlanta coming up in December. Following that I would like to set a new team record in the 500 freestyle, as well as set new personal bests in both the 1650 and 200 freestyle events. With my fellow relay team members I would also like to take the Air Force team to NCAAs in the 800 freestyle relay. Finally, as a team I would like to be a part of the first MPSF Men’s Swimming Championship for Air Force.

For you personally, what has been some of your favorite things about swimming at the Air Force Academy?

Swimming at the academy has given me a lot; friends, family, competition, etc. Beyond all, competing as a team has been my favorite thing as an Air Force Swimmer

What are your plans upon graduation?

First, attend teammate Cody Deacon's wedding. Second, swim at trials. Finally, sail the Virgin Islands. I guess after all those things, I’ll go and be a pilot. It’s definitely looking up from here!