ASHLEY WANLAND »» WOMEN'S SWIMMING Badgering...
Along with the women's swimming and diving team, Ashley Wanland is competing at the Big Ten championships this week in Iowa City, Iowa. A senior from Long Grove, Ill., Wanland currently holds the fastest times in the Big Ten in the 100- and 200-yard breaststroke. Wanland competed for the U.S. National Team at the Pan-American Games in Mexico, where she won the silver medal in the 100-meter breaststroke.
Aside from winning silver, what was your favorite part of the Pan-Am games?
"I enjoyed getting to know a ton of new swimmers. On the pool deck at competitions, very little interaction occurs between swimmers from other teams. However, being a part of the Pan-American games team this summer allowed me to finally talk and get to know the swimmers I have been watching race and compete for years."
What are some of the goals you've had for yourself in your senior season?
"Live with no regrets. I have approached this senior year with a whole new mentality. Since this is my last year as a college swimmer, I have been treating every practice as if it were my last one. This week at Big Tens in Iowa, I am hoping that all the hard work I have put into this season will pay off."
Do you have any rituals or superstitions you go through before competing?
"I actually do not have any superstitions. In terms of rituals, I try to get to bed early for about a week straight, drink an extreme amount water or Powerade and stretch. And every meet we travel to, I will have one bag or package of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups with me."
What's been your favorite memory about swimming at Wisconsin?
"My favorite memory actually occurred a couple weeks ago on senior night. After all the seniors were presented with awards, the song 'Jump Around' was played over the loudspeaker. 'Jumping around' with the other seniors with the biggest smiles on our faces was an unforgettable moment."
20 » VARSITY FEBRUARY 16, 2012
