Brian Grasser is in the midst of his third season as a member of the Saint Joseph’s College Men’s Swimming team. Selected as a team co-captain this season, Grasser has competed in 26 individual freestyle events in his career at St. Joe’s. He has also swam legs for all four of the Monks’ top relay-team efforts, including the 800-Free relay squad that posted an 8:59.23 time and finished 10th in the 2010 New England Regionals.
Head Coach Rick Horr:
Brian started swimming for Saint Joseph’s two years ago possessing little experience in the sport after swimming in high school. Through his hard work and willingness to listen to the coaching staff, he has been a very important part of the team's growth. Brian's drive to be a better swimmer and make the team better is unequaled. He is driven to get faster and works hard to do so, but I from what I see on the deck, he is more pumped and excited as he watches our other men's team swimmers improve. He sincerely wants to see the program grow and is willing to help in any way to do so. If there is something that needs to get done and I ask Brian to take care of it, I know it will be done. His hard work in the water and dedication to building the SJC swim program are attributes that I hope all SJC swimmers have and embrace.
Full name: Brian A. Grasser
Born when and where? September 11,
1990 - Philadelphia, PA
Year: 2012
Major: Criminal Justice
Hometown: Groton, CT
High School: Robert E.
Fitch Senior High
Sport(s) and position(s): Captain,
Men's Swim Team
Favorites
Song: No Love (feat. Lil Wayne) -
Eminem
Professional Sports
Team: Boston Red Sox
Athlete: Lance Armstrong
Food: Home-cooked anything
T.V. Show(s): NCIS, Criminal Minds,
Blue Bloods, The Defenders
Movie(s): Top Gun, Super Troopers, 300,
Avatar, The Hangover, Without A Paddle
Feature Questions
Why did you choose Saint Joseph's College?
St. Joe's actually chose me. I had never heard about the school
until a packet came in the mail. I took my chances, got in, and
received a substantial scholarship. I had never even seen the
campus until i attended freshman orientation.
What is/was your favorite class at St. Joe's and
why?
Methods and Statistics taught by Dr. Brooker. There was just
something about that class that entertained me. Maybe it was just
because I did well...
What was your first job?
"Shop rat" at Mystic Cycle Centre in Mystic, CT. I was
paid a grand total of $8.25 to do everything dirty under the
sun.
Who would you like to trade places for a day with and
why?
I don't want to trade places with anyone. I enjoy my own life
and the decisions I get to make about it.
What is on your "Bucket List?"
Ride my bike across the country and hike the Appalachian
Trail.
Talent you'd most like to have:
I wish I could pick up any instrument and play it. Besides
drums; I can already play them.
What do you drive?
2005 Acura TL (6spd manual)
What is your motto?
Failure is not an option.
Do you have any superstitions before you go into a
meet?
Not really. I try not to think about what I have done, but look
forward to the things I could do.
What is your most memorable moment as an athlete at
SJC?
Every time I beat my personal best times in the pool.
Who has had the greatest impact on your life?
My dad, hands down. Sorry mom but at least you're second!
Can you tell us something about you that most people don't
know?
I am an Eagle Scout.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Working as a full-time Police Officer in Maine or
Connecticut.
If you could meet anyone (past or present) who would it be
and why?
Lance Armstrong because he is hands down one of the greatest
athletes of recent history. Seven Tour de France's in a row! How
can you argue with that?
What are your hobbies?
Mountain/road biking.
What is your ideal day away from athletics?
Sitting on the beach on the Outer Banks of North
Carolina.
What are your personal and team goals for this
season?
Personal - Qualify for New England’s in at least one event. Team - Get as many members to qualify as possible for New England’s.
