The Messiah men's swim team is set to open the 2016-17 season next week when they travel to Hood College for a quad-meet. The Falcons look to build off of last year's success when they finished third place at MAC Championships, the highest finish in program history. Junior Nolan McArdle broke a program record last year in the 100 backstroke with a time of 52.99 and was on the 400 medley team relay that set a program record with a 3.33.70 time.
 
We sat down with Nolan McArdle to learn more about his Messiah experience in this week's edition of #WhyMessiah
 
What are the names of the rest of your family and where do you fall among your siblings?
My parents are Kristie and Robert McArdle. I have an older brother named Zach who graduated from Messiah in 2012 and was on the swim team. My older brother Colin was a college swimmer at Malone College and my older sister Anna is on the swim team her at Messiah. I am the youngest.
 
When did you start swimming?
I was on my first swim team when I was three. My mom used to tell me when I saw my older siblings in the water I always wanted to be in there with them. We belonged to a swimming pool and I always enjoyed playing in the water. Our parents wanted us to get involved with swimming because they said we were very competitive and swimming is a sport of times and there aren't any politics involved in playing time.
 
Is there anything unique about your family you wish to share?
We are all swimmers and competed or are currently competing at the collegiate level.
 
Why did you choose to come to Messiah and/or why do you love being at Messiah?
I actually visited the campus when I was in 7th grade, my older brother Zach was doing his official visit and I tagged along. I love the campus then and from that moment I knew I wanted to go to Messiah.
 
What is your major and dream job after college?
I am a history education major and have enjoyed my study in it, however, my dream job doesn't have anything to do with my major. My ultimate dream job is to one day be the general manager for the Buffalo Bills (my favorite football team).
 
Who is your favorite professor and why?
Dr. LaGrand is my advisor and I have had two classes with him. He is not only a great teacher but has time and time again connected with me outside of the classroom and has attended several swim meets.
 
If you could have dinner with one person in history, who would it be and why?
I would want to have dinner with Harry Houdini because I love magic and would ask him how he does all of his tricks. Hopefully he would be willing to share!
 
What is special about your coaching staff and teammates and how would you explain that to a recruit or someone outside of the program?
Coach Luley makes it very clear from day one that we are student-athletes. We have upper classmen pair up with freshmen to help them learn the ways of college. Also, coach is always okay if we have to practice at a different time to allow us the opportunity to finish up necessary homework or study for a big exam. Something else I would tell a recruit is that we are a family. My favorite part about being on the swim team is when I arrived at Messiah I had 40 new best friends and those friendships continue to grow each year.
 
Who has most influenced your life and why?
My brother Zach, I have followed in his footsteps throughout my whole life. We both played volleyball, basketball, and swam in high school. I would say though that my siblings were always willing to coach me when I was younger so I am thankful for their continued support.
 
What is one about Coach Luley that those outside of your team may not know?
Coach has a very high pain tolerance. Many years ago she broke her toe in the breeches getting our team photo and didn't say anything for days. More specifically, last year coach slipped on some ice and broke her wrist the day of MAC Championships. She put her wrist in a brace and didn't receive any medical attention for 4 days. After seeing a doctor he said it was the worst broken wrist he had ever seen so she is a pretty tough individual.
 
What is one of your favorite team traditions and why?
Every year we do a Halloween photo scavenger hunt with recruits that visit campus. It is a lot of fun and I remember really enjoying it when I made my visit to campus.
 
What is your favorite Messiah memory?
My favorite memory at Messiah was freshmen year during a tornado my friends and I went slip and sliding on the grass when it was raining outside.
 
If you had to answer the question #WhyMessiah what would you say?
I have grown so much since being here and Messiah is my family. One of my favorite things about Messiah is your experience can be exactly what you want it to be. If you want to be involved in different groups on campus or be the biggest falcon fan at sporting events, you can. There is freedom and the possibilities are endless.
 
 

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