Virden’s Drew Co
chrane enjoyed a successful second season with the University of Manitoba swim team.
“My second year was different in the sense that I knew what to expect from the swim program and from school, and was more able to plan my schedule and year around this,” the son of Jennifer and David Cochrane wrote in an email interview. “I also felt much more comfortable with the team than I did my first year which definitely helped me focus more on my training, and less on figuring out where I fit on the team.”
Perhaps the high point of Cochrane’s season was his strong performance at the 2016 Man-Sask short course championships. He won the high points award for 16 and over males from Manitoba. Cochrane placed second in the 50, 100, and 200-metre butterfly events – earning personal bests in each. He was just a second off qualifying for the Olympic trials in the 100 butterfly.
“He finished off the season very, very well at the provincial championships in March,” U of M head coach Vlastimil Cerny said. “I think that is going to be a stepping stone.”
During the swim season Cochrane also made consolation finals at the CanWest University Championships and the Speedo Western Canadian championships in the 200 breaststroke and 100 butterfly. Cerny said that hard work and refined technique allowed Cochrane to improve on his rookie season. He praised Cochrane as being a consistent trainer.
“He is very coachable,” Cerny said. “He does want to do well. He is dedicated. Those are the qualities of a student-athlete who will do well in both.”
The head coach noted that Cochrane is juggling a heavy course load with his swim schedule. He is majoring in computer engineering.
“What I have enjoyed about engineering is the challenge it poses,” Cochrane wrote. “Just memorizing information will do you no good, you actually have to critically think to solve problems. It is also very interesting to understand how the everyday electronics around you work and (you) begin to design simple systems.” In and out of the pool Cochrane has had the unwavering support of his family.
“My family’s support of me over the years has been incredible, and it is only because of their support I am where I am today in the sport,” he wrote. “They not only allowed me to train, but believed in and encouraged me when I wasn’t getting the results I wanted. They also made a huge time sacrifice to drive me to practices and to come watch me compete, which is very special.”
That support helped him make it to the university level. It has certainly been a great experience for him.
“Honestly I enjoy being able to accomplish goals and create memories with the great group of people on my team. I also really enjoy the training, especially the strength and speed aspects. I really enjoy the Olympic lifting we do as training and also when we have quick intense sets in the pool.”
