Next in our slate of preseason reports is a team with a strong identity of family due to its head coach. Bob Hauck, the man at the helm of Saint Olaf Swim and Dive, has a very unique familial relationship with the program. Between himself and various family members, including his father, siblings, children, and more, he told me, “Since 1966 we have 111 years collectively (meaning some overlapped) of the Haucks with the swimming and diving program at Saint Olaf.” It was clear to me that this family mentality carries over to how he runs things at St. Olaf, making it a crucial part of each team member’s experience.
St. Olaf graduated 14 seniors between both the men’s and women’s teams, and although the class included heavy hitters in the MIAC conference like Tim Rizzo, Hauck was quick to praise their attitude and leadership outside of the water, and how they contributed to the family environment. Regarding Rizzo, Hauck said “…I think as much as anything someone like him brought a real presence to our team in terms of work ethic, and his dedication and attitude. It’s important to have people that establish that within your team.” Some other examples of individuals like this were Andrew Noecker, who was very dedicated, “…particularly during the COVID-19 year, when mostly all we were doing was training,” and Annika Cleven, who Hauck said, “…just brought a great attitude and work ethic, a great presence every day, and was always striving to get better, but doing it with a smile on her face.” Hauck has a pride for his athletes that was easy to see, and mentioned to me several others with the same glowing remarks, not wanting to leave anyone out. Every graduate was a valued member of the program there, as evidenced by his enthusiasm when speaking about them.
Despite the loss that the outgoing seniors will be, Hauck seemed just as excited about his new leadership for the coming year and the incoming freshman joining the team. For leaders, rather than electing captains, Hauck works with every one of his seniors to create a cohesive plan for the direction they want the team to go, and an even delegation of responsibilities between the class. Hauck said, “I’ve always thought that it was really important to empower each person as they come up through the program to feel like they have a voice in the leadership… then you know collectively they can feel that, ‘hey I have a say in the direction of the team.’” He had nothing but great things to say about his group of 16 rising seniors, mirroring his statements on the class that just left, so it seems the guiding student-athletes will remain a solid force of leadership for the coming year.
Reinforcing the team will be 15 incoming freshmen that Hauck is also very optimistic about, both in the pool and out. In addition to mentioning some talented divers and all-around swimmers, he told me, “We all want to get the fastest people, right? But in essence, you’re looking for the right kinds of people, you’ve got to find people that come in and again help establish that tone of commitment, and what being dedicated and being motivated is all about, and I think I feel good about it from that standpoint.” So, look for St. Olaf to stay not only fast in the pool, but also stay a close-knit team with a strong sense of identity and commitment to one another.