If winning races is an art form, then call Tim Kegelman the Michelangelo of swimming."He knows how to win," coach Tim Welsh said. "Not everyone knows how to win, or else everyone would be winning every race. You've got to give everything you've got to the race at hand. That's what he does. That's why he wins." At last weekend's Big East Championships, Kegelman added a number of wins to his already impressive resume, including titles in the 200 individual medley (1 minute, 49.62 seconds), the 400 freestyle relay (3:16.93) and the 100-yard butterfly - an event in which he also holds the Big East Championship record with 48.06. But the accolades didn't end there.The sophomore also set school records in the 200- and 400-yard medley relays. Teamed with junior Doug Bauman, junior Tim Randolph and senior Frank Krakowski, Kegelman's relays clocked 1:30.12 and 3:16.93 respectively. Later on, Kegelman combined efforts with Randolph, Krakowski and sophomore Louis Cavadini to set school records in the 200-yard free relay (1:20.64) and 400 free relay (3:00.02). Kegelman was also named all-Big East in the 200-yard medley relay, 200-yard free relay, 200-yard individual medley, 100-yard fly, 400-yard medley relay and 400-yard free relay.Additionally, invitations to the NCAA championships in the 200-yard individual medley, 100-yard fly, 400 medley relay, and 200 free relay are pending. But despite so many awards to his name, the unassuming Kegelman chose to focus on the team's success."It's exciting to be part of a team that has so much talent," Kegelman said. "I think all of the records we broke and the awards we got were just a sign of how much depth the team has. We were following through with the work we have done all season." Kegelman's performance was especially characteristic of his performances and hard work this season, Welsh said. "He is always a vital part of the team's success," Welsh said. "His swims in the Big East were tributes to his gustiness and competitiveness."Welsh said the meet against then-No. 17 Pittsburgh, last year's Big East champion, was also testament to Kegelman's capabilities and potential as a competitor. Touching the wall .04 seconds ahead of Pittsburgh Darryl Washington in the meet's final event, Kegelman clinched the win for the Irish. As anchor of the 400-yard freestyle relay, which consisted of Krakowski, Cavadini and sophomore Nick Fanslau, Kegelman secured the first place finish with a time of 3:04.13.The win in the 400-yard freestyle relay was just the icing on the cake. Earlier in the meet, Kegelman claimed a win in the 100-yard butterfly (49.17) and placed second in the 200-yard fly. With the toughest dual meets of the season and the Big East Championship behind him, Kegelman is looking forward to the NCAAs. Welsh said he is confident Kegelman will make the team proud in the competition. "He has the heart of a champion," Welsh said. "And I think he'll rise to the occasion if given the opportunity. He's a great representative of the team and of Notre Dame."
