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40,000 meters a week.  Two-a-days four times a week. Strength Training.

The Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving teams go through extensive conditioning to prepare themselves for the upcoming season. So far, it looks like it is paying off.

After a semester of events, the Men’s and Women’s Swimming & Diving teams have exceeded expectations and will look to build on their success in the spring.

Both teams are 3-3 in dual meets and have been successful in multiple team meets.

On the men’s side, Brian Friedlander ’12 has been a consistent performer at all events.

He has won multiple individual events, including winning the 200 yard breaststroke in six of the team’s eight meets this season.

Friedlander was named MAAC Men’s Swimmer of the Week on Nov. 23, following a meet at Bryant.

Despite winning three events, Friedlander was surprised to win the award.

“It was a pleasant surprise, I really wasn’t expecting it with all the talented swimmers in the MAAC,” he said.

On the women’s side, there has been a variety of contributors, including freshman Moe Osmulski.

She recently set a program record in the 200 yard individual medley, finishing third overall.

In a recent loss to Bryant, Osmulski joined Michelle Yoshida ’12 and Cacky Keating ’13 in winning two individual events each.

Having contributors from different grades has helped the Stags get off to a solid start.

Winning a swim meet as a team requires contributions from a variety of swimmers in different events.

Osmulski was named MAAC Women’s Swimmer of the Week for her efforts in a win over Manhattan on Nov. 13.  When asked about this accomplishment, Osmulski said, “I didn’t even know I was MAAC Swimmer of the Week until diving coach Dan Vener congratulated me.     It was a big achievement and definitely something to aim for again.”

As a freshman, Osmulski has made a big impact for the Stags.  So far, she’s enjoying every moment of her career.

“I love swimming for a division 1 team. I’ve always been competitive and I enjoy putting my competitiveness into action.  Swimming for a Division I team definitely lets me express my competitive nature,” she said.

Part of the reason the Stags are able to get contributions from a variety of swimmers is due to strong recruiting.

Much of this recruiting is done by head coach Bill Farley, who was once a decorated swimmer himself.

Farley swam for the University of Michigan, where he was a 10 time All-American.

He also competed for the 1964 U.S. Olympic team in Japan.

Prior to coming to Fairfield, Farley was the head coach at Princeton and the University of Michigan.

As the Stags head into break, Osmulski has her sights set on a particular meet in the spring semester.

“I look forward to competing in my first college championship meet in February.”

The Stags will travel to Honolulu, Hawaii over winter break for an intensive eight day training trip.

After their training trip in Hawaii they will begin competition again with their senior meet against the New Jersey Institute of Technology on January 22.