Scott  McClenaghan

NTEX Swimmer of the Month for December 2009

Each month, NTEXMasters will choose a member of the team for a short Q &A.  This month meet Scott McClenaghan:

1.  What is your favorite TV Show? 

Man v. Food – That fellow can eat.  I am a little jealous that I didn’t think of the idea for this show first.

2.  What was your most unpleasant job?   

My high school teammates and I volunteered to work at a summer camp one year.  The lake had been dredged and we had to move all the weeds from the bank to the back of a dump truck.  Those wet weeds had been sitting in the summer sun for about a week and the smell was disgusting. 

3.  Who is your favorite Olympic Swimmer?

Phelps

4.  While you are swimming, what do you think about? 

I try to concentrate on breathing every 4 strokes and having a smooth efficient stroke.  On the turns, I try to concentrate on pushing off hard, streamlining and kicking hard. I usually end up thinking about work and what I need to get done during the day. 

5.  Who is your sports role model?

This is a tough one, it seems as soon as I pick one, they let me down.  When I first wrote this, I was thinking about Tiger Woods, then he changed his name to Cheetah and I got all confused.  So I decided to get back to my roots.  Who introduced me to sports?  Who peaked my interest by telling me stories about the glory days of football?  Who took such an interest in his kids that he became a swim official?  Who volunteered his time to Special Olympics and brought the entire family to help?  Who has never once let me down?  My dad, Ken McClenaghan.  In fact, all my ideas about how sports, and the world for that matter, come from my parents.  They set a high standard, maybe that’s why all my sports “heroes” ultimately disappoint me. Maybe there is no better reason to admire the man than the fact that at 83, this WWII vet still goes to the local high school 5 times a week to swim.  OK, he’s not famous, but now you know that there is a man in Glendale Wisconsin who has competed, coached, refereed, been equipment and travel manager, GM and owner, and never once let his fans down. 

6.  Do you have any superstitions or specific routines you must follow before a competition? 

I do not have any superstitions, but I think karma plays a hand in success, so I try to treat everyone with respect.  Before any competition I make sure I have warmed up, stretched and that I am focused on the fundamentals of success.

7.  How tall are you?

6’2”

8.  Have you ever ordered anything off of the TV?

Do pay per view movies count?  How about pizza?  Nothing beyond that, but my son got me a Man Vs. Food t-shirt for my birthday.  “Food, it ain’t your day!”

9.  If you could have any sports job, what would it be?

I would be a stadium announcer for a professional basketball team, preferably the Mavericks.  That way I wouldn’t have to travel. 

10.  What are your swimming goals for the next year? 

To be able to maintain 1:20 intervals on the 100.  I also want to work more strokes into my workout.  I don’t have any competition goals.  I have 4 kids and I would rather watch them compete.