PSAC Student-Athlete Feature - Caitlyn Sirkoch Thursday, February 16, 2012 12:31 PM ARCHIVED PROFILES CAITLYN SIRKOCH California - Pre-education Major Plum / Plum HS Sirkoch is a junior swimmer who has earned Honorable Mention All-America status each of the last two seasons as part of the Vulcans 200 freestyle relay team. Last year her group posted a school record 1:34.57 at the NCAA Championships to finish ninth overall. While she has earned most of her accolades in freestyle, she also has earned points at the PSAC Championships in the 200 breastroke and 200 IM. She and her Vulcan teammates currently own the PSAC's top time in the 200 free relay at 1:35.53, which also ranks 10th in Division II. Why did you choose California? I chose California University of Pennsylvania because it has an excellent education department. The swimming had an impact on my decision as well. What is the biggest adjustment you had to make going from high school to college? The biggest adjustment for me was being away from my parents. I have a very close relationship with them and it was hard leaving home even though I was only an hour away. What is the thing you’ve enjoyed most about college? I really like all the friends and people I have met in college. I also feel that I am receiving a great education and having great opportunities with my academics and swimming. What are your career plans? I hope to find myself working in an elementary school. First or second grade is my favorite but I will take whatever comes my way. Who is your favorite athlete and why? My favorite athlete is Amanda Beard. She is a great role model swimmer. What is the best advice you’ve ever been given? Always be yourself. If people don’t like you that way, they aren’t worth it. Did you have any pregame rituals or superstitions? Not in particular. I do always listen to music and stretch a lot behind the blocks. When I am in a big meet I do find myself biting my nails quite a bit. What is your top collegiate athletics memory? I have so many great memories. One that sticks out the most was my freshman year at conference when my relay made the “A” cut in the 200 Free Relay and we advanced to nationals. It was like nothing I have every felt before. The excitement from my coaches and teammates was so great. Everyone was screaming and jumping up and down. I will never forget that moment. What do you consider your most memorable athletic accomplishment throughout your life? I would have to say being a two time All-American Honorable Mention in the 200 Free Relay. I work very hard at what I do and it feels great to have accomplished that much. In my wildest dreams I never expected to be swimming in college but now that I am and I am swimming so well, I wouldn’t want it any other way. What is your favorite pro sports team? The Pittsburgh Penguins are my favorite sports team. I am from Pittsburgh and I sure do love watching hockey. Among athletes in the family, where do you rate? As far as my brother and I go we are pretty equal I would say. He swam four years at Washington & Jefferson College. He was a part of many school records and placed well at his conference meets. Washington & Jefferson is a Division III school, which is different in many ways from a Division II school like CALU. I don’t want to say either of us rate higher then one another, it is just we chose two different paths. What person has had the most significant influence on you from an athletics perspective? My brother hands down. He has pushed me to where I am today. He has helped me physically and mentally stay with swimming. When times got rough and I wanted to quit, he was always there telling me not to do it because I would regret it. What’s on your Ipod during pregame? Give me something I can dance to and I am happy. I can’t listen to anything slow before a race. I must listen to something upbeat. My hidden talent is: I wish I had a hidden talent. I would be a lot more effective if I would spend less time: Taking my four hour long naps on Wednesday afternoons. We have the evening off from practice so I spend that time sleeping when I should be doing homework or studying. Fill in the blanks: When you’re in my hometown, you should try the SANDWICHES at PRIMANTI BROTHERS. Words your coach says that you swear you can hear in your sleep: Keep your great body position. Sport I would look bad doing, and why: Probably softball. I have zero hand-eye coordination. My favorite movie I’m embarrassed to admit: I am not embarrassed to admit this but I love Finding Nemo. Who is your celebrity crush? MATTHEW McCONAUGHEY The most addictive snack food for me is: Cheddar Chex Mix, I could eat a bag a day. What is your favorite vacation spot? Outer Banks, North Carolina Stuck on a deserted island, what three things would you bring? Food, my family, and my iPod.