University of Mary Washington junior Stephen Clendenin, who will participate in the 2010 NCAA Division III Swimming Championships this weekend in St. Paul, Minn., already has a pool full of accolades.  Clendenin was the 2008 CAC Rookie of the Year, two-time CAC Swimmer of the Year (2009 and 2010) and an All-American in the 200 butterfly in 2009. 

This week's INTRODUCING ... featured student-athlete, Clendenin will compete in the 400 IM, the 200 butterfly, and the 200 backstroke.  He will be among nine CAC swimmers competing for All-America recognition in the 2010 NCAA Championships.

What is your background in the sport you play?  I have been swimming since I was 9 years old, always competitively! I love summer swimming, and have done that every summer since then as well! I swam at the local club team near my house since I was 12, when we moved from NC, and have swam there at that pool ever since. The team has gone under several name changes, but it is currently Blue Waves Swim team.

What is your favorite spot on campus?  I love my room a lot, but really I am comfortable on any bench on a sunny afternoon!

Other than your team, what organization (s) do you participate in?  I am a part of the Rappohannock Big Brothers Big Sisters Campus Pal program, where every Sunday I get to hang out with my little brother for about three hours. I have been doing that since freshman year, and I love it! I am also an active member of Intervarsity Christian Fellowship.

What is the most important societal issue facing college students?  The most important issue facing college students are the mass media and entertainment. There is no room for imagination and personal creativity. Anything and everything is being mass produced, and TV and video games are ruining bright futures.

What is your major in college, and what is the most important thing you learned in that discipline?  I am an English major, and in that I learn how to think critically, and how to become a better writer and reader.

Other than your family members, who was the most influential person in your life?  My team and my coach are a lot like my family. The push me to try harder, to be a better student, we encourage each other to watch each other’s backs, and we have a lot of team spirit!

If you could give one piece of advice to elementary school children, what would that advice be?  Have fun!

What is your favorite form of entertainment?  I really enjoy Movies! I am a very visual person, and I love a good story I can watch!

Outside of the Capital Athletic Conference, who or what is your favorite sports person or team?  I am a huge fan of the Olympics, and I watch swimming news and videos all the time.  Other than swimming, I really like ice hockey (Go CAPS!) and soccer.

Name three (3) people, real or fictional, living or dead, that you'd like to have dinner with?   I'd like to have dinner with Chris Crutcher, my favorite author, Steven Spielburg, and my childhood best friend whom I have not seen in years.