Ron Ruggieri

"They're good kids, they help me more than I help them. They are great kids," notes Cavaliers Swim Coach Ron Ruggieri. "I'm very fortunate." Ruggieri, now two years into his retirement from teaching, likes the frame of mind the swimmers carry with them into the sport.

"They approach practice with a very positive attitude. They approach us for help—it's made it very easy coaching for us," Ruggieri says. "They have an attitude that is very positive on a daily basis." The attitude has played a part in how the club has gelled this season.

The gelling has occurred despite a small setback the team suffered. "One swimmer went down who was about to qualify for WPIALs" Ruggieri explains. He hurt his hand and couldn't swim for a while, but hopes to come back in time to qualify for WPIALs in mid-February. The return of the swimmer, who is a key ingredient on the team, will help out the rest of the crew.

Swimmers are often focused on individual accomplishment. "It's very easy in an individual sport," says Ruggeri. But he is convinced this squad is different. "They are a team. They seem to care about each other. They think as a team. They have solidified as a team, especially in 2005. You don't see that often any more."

What is it that makes them a team? Who are these young men and women? Coach Ruggieri tells you, in the online video found here.