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143 I t was a week of fun in the sun for the University of Iowa swimming and diving team when the Hawkeyes traveled to the Sunshine State for its team training trip. e Hawkeyes were in Sarasota, Florida, for the third time in four seasons from Dec. 16-22. "is is a point in the season for us to refocus," said omas Rathbun, a senior freestyle and backstroker. "In the NCAA, we have the longest season of any sport, going from August to March, so training can become monotonous. To be able to go through finals week and then go there to de-stress, it's amazing what it can do for our team." While the emphasis is on twice-a-day training -- a grueling morning workout, followed by aernoon drill work and technique-based training -- the trip is also about building team camaraderie. "e training trip brings us closer together because we're in one central location," said senior Carly O'Brien. "e warmer weather makes practices a lot more enjoyable, and we're able to get more done with our training." e team's focus is on togetherness. "We do a lot of team activities throughout the week," said O'Brien. "We get paired with people we're not usually hanging out with, so that brings everyone closer." Some of the activities includes kayaking, pickup football games on the beach, or just perusing the local shops. e Hawkeyes took advantage of the sun and beach with a holiday sand sculpture contest. "It's important to build the relationships," said freshman omas Pederson. "We all use one another to push each other during practices. is trip gives us the opportunity to talk with teammates that you might not talk to as much. "is gives us a chance to get to know them better and bring us closer together." Pederson heard good things leading up to the training trip and it lived up to its billing. "It's a good time where you don't have to stress about school, work hard in the pool and get to know other people on the team," said Pederson. "It's a good opportunity for me and the other freshmen to let loose in the pool, buckle down, and focus on swimming." When the Hawkeyes start the second semester, it will mark the beginning of the home stretch to the season. e team will wrap up the dual portion of the schedule before embarking on championship season in February and March. "e season is a grind," said Rathbun. "You get caught up in doing the same things every day. To be able to change things up can give you a different perspective with how your training is going and what you need to work on. "is is a great time for us to focus on things you want to perfect leading into the championship season." JANUARY SCHEDULE Jan. 12-13 Notre Dame (M/W), Illinois (W) Jan. 20 at Northwestern Jan. 26-27 at Shamrock Invitational