Varsity is the free Official Digital Magazine of Wisconsin Athletics, covering Badgers football, basketball, hockey and more each week.
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26 // VARSITY January 30, 2014 BADGERING NICK CALDWELL A 2012 All-American and member of the U.S. National Swimming Team, Nick Caldwell is in his first season with the Badgers after transferring from the University of Florida. Caldwell owns the team's top times in the 200 (1:35.20), 500 (4:18.10) and 1000-meter (9:15.90) freestyle events, while also earning an NCAA 'B' cut time in the 200 at the 2013 Texas Invitational. The Sarasota, Fla., native and 2012 SEC All-Freshman team honoree ranks in the top-40 nationally in the 1000-meter freestyle. Coming from Florida, how much of an adjustment has Wisconsin been for you in terms of academics, athletics and climate? "Coming to Wisconsin has been a great experience so far. When looking for a school, I was looking for a team culture where engaging in the academic world was just as important as athletic success. The swim team here is focused and very welcoming. Like I expected, Madison's academics have been challenging, and I'm really enjoying the atmosphere." What has been the most fulfilling accomplishment of your career thus far? "Over this past summer, the team competed in Irvine, Calif., at the 2013 U.S. Open. This was the meet where I qualified for the U.S. National Team. I swam really well over that weekend and posted a number of best times. The entire meet stands out because it was my first 'big' meet as a member of the Badgers and I'm happy that I was able to represent the team in a positive way." After seeing a lot of success in the pool during your first two years, what has been your biggest focus now as an upperclassmen? "My goal for these final two seasons is to swim as fast as I possibly can and help the team as much as possible. Since Whitney's (Hite) taken over as head coach, our swim program has been quickly getting better with each season. I want to leave this program with the knowledge that I've helped to establish a perennial top-10 program in the country." What are you most looking forward to at this point in the season? "I'm really excited for the Big Ten championships coming up at the end of February. I believe we have the best swim team in Wisconsin history and we have the opportunity to accomplish some big team goals. The Big Ten meet also marks the beginning of the championship season, where the team is finally able to see the results of the work they've put in through the season. It's a very exciting time and I'm definitely looking forward to seeing all of our hard work come to fruition." Twitter or Instagram? Twitter Favorite meal? Spaghetti Favorite sport other than swimming? Basketball QUICK Q'S WITH NICK