Dec. 16, 2014
Penn State sophomore Matt Stasiunas began swimming competitively at age nine in his hometown of Avondale, Pa. The second year swimmer has already been a part of program history during his short tenure in State College, as a member of the record breaking 800 free relay team at the 2014 Big Ten Championships. When he's not in the pool, the science major enjoys rooting on his beloved Philadelphia Eagles with his father and brother back home.
Q: What is your earliest memory in a swimming pool?
A: "My earliest childhood memory of swimming would probably be when I was about four or five and I went to my community pool for my first swim lesson. I just remember that I didn't enjoy it at all and I did not expect to start swimming (competitively) until I was nine after taking a few years off. That's when I really started to get into the competitive sport."
Q: What has been your best moment thus far as a Penn State swimmer?
A: "Being able to break the record with three other guys in the 800 free relay at Big Ten's (in 2014). It's just an honor to be put on that board with a bunch of other guys who have been there in the past and are still on there now. The atmosphere at Big ten's was such a huge deal and definitely was the biggest meet I have been to so far."
Q: What is the best part about being a Penn State student-athlete?
A: "I would just say all the resources we have. You always have tutors and professors that are always able to help you and all the facilities are great too. You really just have all the help you need to succeed and get a great education."
Q: Would you show us and then explain to us something that is important to you outside of the pool.
A: "I brought with me an Eagles jersey, it's (wide receiver) Jeremy Maclin and the reason I brought this is because when I'm at home, my brother, my dad and I would all watch the Eagles game together every Sunday. We would all wear our own jerseys so I still wear it for every Sunday now, but it is just a constant reminder of what we did in the past and kind of keeps me close to my family."
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