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The Daily OrangeSwim | Isiksalan's leadership guides fading Syracuse swimming and diving program
By Forrest Ball
Posted: 10/28/08, 2:06 AM EST Section: Sports
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Born and raised in Istanbul, Turkey, Isiksalan's unique experiences from abroad have made him an ideal leader for a program three years away from being eliminated.
"He has a very steady disposition, and is in a very intense training environment," head coach Lou Walker said. "For the work asked of our guys, it's very important that (Isiksalan) continues to be humorous and even keeled within our group."
Syracuse's combination of academics and athletics lured Isiksalan to SU.
Isiksalan believes that all the international swimmers bring individual experiences that add to team - like junior Boldizsar Kiss, from Hungry, who participated in the Olympics. This year's team represents six countries other than the United States, including another swimmer from Turkey.
"We have a lot of foreign guys on the team and we all share our experiences to improve the team," Isiksalan said.
Considering the Syracuse swimming and diving program is being phased out over the next three years - allowing current members to fulfill their scholarships - the team endures an emotional rollercoaster, Walker said. Due to the ups and downs, leaders like Isiksalan are essential.
Working alongside the men's team, the women's team also feels Isiksalan's influence.
"It's impressive, not speaking much English and coming to the United States to swim," sophomore Natalie Mazzetta said of Isiksalan. "(The other swimmers) have a high opinion of the international swimmers."
It's not hard for anyone to understand why Isiksalan and the other international swimmers on the team receive a lot of respect, because of the transition that needs to be made when arriving in Syracuse while speaking little English.
"(Isiksalan) contributes to practices a lot, and I think he motivates the guys a lot," Mazzetta said.
For Isiksalan, swimming in Turkey isn't much different, except for dual meets in college. In the men's 184-104 win over Colgate on Oct. 10, Isiksalan shined, placing in the 200-yard medley, 100-yard backstroke, 200-yard individual medley, and winning the 200-yard backstroke with a time of 1:57.85.
Walker said this team doesn't have goals
that are out of reach. Frankly, they're just happy to still be a program for a few more years after almost losing the program last year.
"Our goals are to focus on the day-to-day, in addition to achieving personal records," said Walker.
For Isiksalan, this includes working toward the Big East Conference meet and capturing first in the 200-yard backstroke.
Isiksalan said it is possible for Syracuse to achieve top five placements at the Big East Conference meet and to win its dual and individual meets, which would result in the team finishing 6-0.
To get there, SU must swim hard in practice, something they've been doing all preseason, Walker said. And Isiksalan has noticed these hard practices.
"I'm still sore from practice (during the meets)," he said.
Isiksalan's leadership and work ethic motivates the team through the grueling practices.
"He's an obvious talent, which we're happy to have," said Walker. "But he keeps the guys levelheaded and helps us win."
frball@syr.edu
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