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News Release
AMERICA EAST MEN'S SWIMMER OF THE YEAR BRAD GREEN
2/26/2004
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After being an instrumental part of three record-setting relay teams for UMBC, senior co-captain Brad Green (
“Going into my senior year, I just wanted to have one of the best seasons in school history and go out on top,” said Green.
In 2004, after leading the Retriever men’s swimming and diving team to an all-time school best 12-1 record, their seventh consecutive league title, UMBC’s first ever America East crown in any sport, and receiving Swimmer of the Conference honors, Green has definitely achieved his goal.
Despite suffering from a shattered hand that required the insertion of three plates and 18 screws at the outset of his junior year, Green battled back to become the team’s number one sprinter. This year alone, he finished first in the 50-yard freestyle in dual meets against American,
The Retriever men’s lone defeat came from a heartbreaking one point loss to state rival Navy. Entering the final event with a 117-109 lead, UMBC generated just four points in the 400 freestyle relay, while the Midshipmen claimed 13 points, and the Retrievers saw themselves on the short end of a 122-121 decision. Green, however, did not let the loss bring his spirit down.
“Losing to Navy was probably one of the best things that could have happened,” he said. “It helped me realize that you can learn more from a tough loss than a great win because greatness means getting up and succeeding even after you’ve fallen.”
After falling to Navy, Green led UMBC to eight consecutive wins, paving the way for their first America East title. The Retrievers, who previously claimed six consecutive ECAC titles, captured UMBC’s first America East Conference crown, as they easily won the league championship by amassing a meet record 901 points to second-place
During the three-day competition, Green claimed five gold medals and two silvers, and set new conference championship marks in both the 50-yard (20.68) and 100-yard freestyle events, while anchoring four medal-winning relay teams. His time of 44.82 in the 100-yard free qualified him for an NCAA-B cut and also broke UMBC’s 12-year school record, previously set at 45.11 from 1992. For Green, the result was the America East Swimmer of the Meet Award – his first honor of such a kind.
Still, Green attributes much of his success to his teammates. “Winning is a tribute to everyone on the team,” he said. “They have all helped me throughout the year, and the awards we received show just how strong a relationship we have among each other.”
For Green, the season will continue this weekend at the ECAC Championship, where he will try to qualify for a solid spot in this year’s NCAA Championships.
“Brad has been one of the fiercest competitors I have ever seen in this program,” said UMBC Head Coach Chad Cradock. “He is a true team leader who has always supported those around him, and I am glad he is getting a chance to show everyone that he can pull out a win no matter where he is.”