The University of Mount Union Men’s Swimming and Diving team has had an excellent season holding a record of 6-1. The Raiders’ head to the OAC Tournament Wednesday, February 12th through Saturday, February 15th in hopes of bringing home an OAC Championship.

Junior Jacob Hathaway is a standout swimmer for the Purple Raiders. Hathaway swims the 100 meter backstroke, 200 meter backstroke, 200 meter individual medley, as well as the 50, 100, and 200 freestyle during the relays. Hathaway has won OAC Swimmer of the Week four times in his career as a Raider, and twice during the 2024-2025 season.

“I think it speaks to the hard work put in at practice. I’m thankful for being recognized for it and I believe it could have gone to anyone on the team with how the season is going,” said Hathaway on being OAC Swimmer of the Week. He is a team player in a sport that can be viewed as a very individual sport.

But, for Hathaway, swimming is far from an individual sport; “The only time I view swimming as an individual sport is during an individual race in a meet. We rely on our teammates so much in practice for races and support that it is usually just a team sport. You also race as a team in relays and for everyone those races mean a little more as you are even more of a team.”

When you attend a Mount Union swim meet, you can expect a loud natatorium full of enthusiastic Raiders. The support of one Raider to the other is unmatched as they cheer each other on in every event.

“Team chemistry is super important in swimming because historically Mount has swam better when we are loud and having fun. If the team chemistry isn’t there it may become a chore or more individual which is why when the team chemistry is good we are swimming fast,” stated Hathaway.

With the OAC Tournament coming up quickly, Hathaway reflects on what he must do to mentally prepare for a big meet; “I think back to the year of swimming that I have done leading up to the meet. We visualize our races during practice. I rely on my training and know I have swam these races hundreds of times meaning this one is no different. I think it is just important to keep a good mindset, don’t overthink it, and have fun.”

With an overall record of 6-1, 3-1 in conference, the team is destined to have success during the OAC Tournament. Hathaway looks to improve his times from past meets and give the other OAC schools a challenge during the tournament.

“For this OAC, my goals are to try to beat my times from the years previous, go out, and race. Whether that means winning the event or just beating my old best. I also want to see some of the guys’ school records broken by the team and just have fun throughout it,” expressed Hathaway.

Best of luck to Hathaway and all of the other Purple Raiders competing in the OAC Tournament! Stay tuned on the University of Mount Union athletics page, the Purple Raider social media accounts, and the OAC website for updates on the event!