The average Bobcat stays active throughout the winter and does not hibernate during the frigid, winter seasons.
But with the latter-half of Ohio’s season not continuing until Jan. 11, the Bobcats (3-1, 2-0 MAC) will need all the hibernation and rest they can get during their seven week hiatus from competition.
Coming off a fourth place finish at the H2Okie Invitational in Christiansburg, Va. on Nov. 23, the Bobcats will continue their daily routines of two-a-days throughout the break.
“The placement at that meet we weren’t too concerned about,” coach Derick Roe said. “We were tested to see where we were at in terms of the season. We still have a little further ways to go and we still have a lot work to get done.”
With season highs at its first season invitational, Ohio will use the break to rejuvenate and to refocus on the task at hand – winning the 12th MAC Championship in program history.
“We’re definitely refocusing and regrouping for the second half of the season,” Roe said.
With optional practices during finals week, the team will remain in Athens and then practice the following week, before traveling to Fort Lauderdale, Fla. for a team getaway from Dec. 29 to Jan. 9.
According to a previous Post article, aside from being allowed to leave from Dec. 21 to Dec. 28 last year, the Bobcats remained in Athens and practiced for 30 hours each week, which was an increase in hours from when classes were in session.
“It’ll be good to train down (in Florida) and we’ll definitely use it to bond,” sophomore Haley Clark said. “We really have the month to really improve and get stronger as a team.”
The team is coming off as seasonal bests from the H2Okie Invitational, including Clark’s 51.40 in the 100-yard freestyle and junior Michelle Gasior’s 2:04.67 in 200-yard butterfly.
“We did a lot better than we expected,” Clark said. “I was shocked when I got out of the water. When I looked up at the times I was like ‘wow, that’s my time?’”
Roe said he is excited to see how the conference schools look during the Bobcats’ offtime and looks forward to Ohio resuming play.
“I don’t think (the break is) going to affect us,” Roe said. “It’s great because we can train and not have any meets to worry about and just worry about getting the job done in training.”
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