University of Tennessee Athletics
Making Waves with Herbie Behm
October 22, 2009 | Men's Swimming & Diving
Oct. 22, 2009
DREW RUTHERFORD
UTsports.com
This is the third of an eight-part series highlighting the 2009-10 Tennessee swimming and diving newcomers. In this edition of "Making Waves," freshman freestyle sprinter Herbie Behm is featured.
As part of the Tennessee tandem of top sprinters, Behm's arrival on The Hill was highly anticipated by all in the swimming and diving program. The Tucson, Ariz., native's prowess in the pool will soon be realized as his contributions to the team increase.
How have you liked being at Tennessee so far?
"It's been great. I pretty much like everything. Classes are going well and I like the team a lot. The weather is really the only thing that is different. I miss the sunshine but it's nice to not be hot all the time."
There are a lot of traditions involved with this program. What traditions have you encountered this year?
"I haven't earned my spot in the locker room, yet. We all have to earn our way in, and there are three of us left. It's not that bad, but I would like to get in the locker room. I like it a lot. It makes me really feel like a part of the team. Every Tennessee swimmer or diver has a story of how they got into the locker room, which is really cool. We've had a few challenges, but they have been tough on sprinters. We celebrate when someone makes it in the locker room, but it's kind of bittersweet because you wish it was you. Our freshman class is really competitive. When we practice we try to beat each other. At meets we try to beat each other. But we are really close, too. Our whole class is very close."
I spoke with Ed Walsh a few weeks ago about his adjustment to the Southeast. Do you guys like to give him a hard time about being from `across the pond?'
"We give him a hard time. A car ran over his foot after a few weeks here because he always looks the wrong way every time he crosses a street. He still looks the wrong way."
What sold you on becoming a Vol?
"I don't think I can pick one thing. It was really everything about Tennessee. When I took my trip to Tennessee I pretty much felt at home. It's hard to explain because there wasn't one specific thing that stood out to me. Tennessee just gave me a feeling that I didn't feel at any other school."
How have you liked training at UT?
"I really like training in the Allan Jones Intercollegiate Aquatic Center. It's much nicer than anywhere else, by far. Everything is a lot harder than when I was in high school and we train a lot more. It's been challenging. I wasn't used to doing two-a-days but I think I will eventually see it paying off at the end of the season."
What do you do before a meet?
"I am pretty focused. I don't really talk a lot and stay off by myself. I like to listen to music when I'm getting ready."
If the entire coaching staff got into a mixed-martial-arts tournament, who would it come down to and who would win?
"I think it would be Medgar Harrison (strength coach) and JT (John Trembley). JT would definitely take him. Have you seen him without a shirt on? He would win no question."
Players Mentioned
