Albert Lea grad steps up training, nutrition and finds success in the pool

By Barbara Boxleitner

Morgan Field had plenty of inspiration to excel in swimming this year.

The Albert Lea High School graduate is a breaststroke specialist for the Gustavus Adolphus College women’s swimming team.

Field, who completed her last class Jan. 29, competes mostly in the 100- and 200-yard breaststroke and 200 individual medley. She is part of the 200 and 400 medley relays.

“There’s something about 16 years (swimming) and it being your last year that has really motivated me,” the second-year captain said. “This was my year to step up.

“I’m very happy that I can continue swimming,” she said. “That’s hard to do if you don’t have great people around you.”

Field entered the Jan. 25 week with the fastest time on the team in the 200 breaststroke and second fastest time on the team in 100 breaststroke, according to the USA Swimming online records.

“She’s having her best season her senior year,” Gustavus Adolphus head coach Jon Carlson said. “It was just a combination of having the right attitude and a desire to excel. She has an incredible work ethic.”

She has been swimming the breaststroke since the second grade.

“I think it’s the most fun,” she said. “Breaststroke is special in the sense it’s very different from the others. You have a different kick, and you’re breathing every stroke. You have underwater pullouts instead of underwater dolphin kicks.”

Carlson cited Field’s adjustment in preparation, especially her attention to proper nutrition and rest.

“She’s given a lot of thought to her swimming,” he said.

“She’s very diligent about her technique and trying to figure out what makes her time faster,” he said. “She’s always tried to find more efficient ways to get through the water fast. It’s been a gradual improvement every year. Just being able to continually improve is a great motivation for the next season.”

Field said Carlson’s change in training has helped her.

“We’ve really focused on racing in practice,” she said. “I’m a big competitor.”

She won the 100 and 200 breaststroke against Carleton College and was part of the winning 200 medley relay. Field was eighth in 200 individual medley. She was second in the 100 and 200 breaststroke against St. Olaf College.

“I do like the IM,” she said. “It mixes up what I get to swim. IM lets me get a taste of every stroke.”

She has been swimming with the A relays, which have been successful. She was part of the 200 medley relay that was second Jan. 23 at the Grinnell College Invitational. She was a member of the 400 medley relay that was third.

“Relays are a lot of fun,” she said. “It’s not just you and your heat. You’re swimming for three other people in your relay.”

Field looked forward to the Feb. 18 to 20 Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championships. She was fourth in the 100 breaststroke and fifth in the 200 breaststroke during last year’s conference championship win, the team’s sixth consecutive.