NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Patrick Frith, who had the team's top times in the 200 butterfly and 500 freestyle this year, has been elected captain of the 2020-21 Yale men's swimming and diving team.
 
"It's hard to put into words what being elected captain means to me," said Frith, who came to Yale from Charlotte, N.C. "This is without a doubt the greatest honor I've had in my life, and it means the world to me knowing that the team put their trust in my ability to lead and to continue the great legacy of Yale Men's Swimming & Diving.  The guys on this team mean more to me than they know, and I look forward to helping push this program to higher heights. I hope to bring a source of motivation for all team members, I hope to provide a strong example in training and competition, I hope I can establish myself as a place for advice and guidance for everyone, and I know I'll be able to provide the team with a winning mentality."
 
Frith is coming off a strong junior season. He finished fifth in the 200 butterfly at the Ivy League Championship and also posted the team's best time of the season in the 500 freestyle at the league championship meet. As a sophomore, he was part of the 800 freestyle relay team that finished second. He also was ninth in the 1000 freestyle and 10^th in the 100 butterfly at Ivy's that year.
 
"I think that the past three years on campus have been the best experience to prepare me for this role," Frith said. "I've had the pleasure of swimming under three different captains with varying leadership styles and personalities, and I think they've collectively taught me a lot about what it means to be captain and how to lead a team. Dirk, Adrian, and Matt have been strong influences throughout my Yale career. Further, the 2020 men did a fantastic job of preparing my class for the increased responsibility assumed by seniors. Training, eating, and even living with the Class of 2020 has taught me a lot about hard work, motivation, and preparation, and I think I can speak for the entire team in saying that we'll really miss having them around. One person can't lead a team, and the graduating seniors have made sure the Class of 2021 will be well equipped to step up and lead this team together."
 
Frith was planning to intern on Capitol Hill in Washington this summer but because of COVID-19 pandemic won't be able to and is still in the process of figuring out his plans.
 
One, thing, though is certain. He is excited for the 2020-21 season.
 
"We've been steadily improving and creating a real Ivy League contender for the past few years, and I think our goals should reflect that," Frith said. "We had some tough dual meets and close losses this past season, and we will definitely be ready to rectify those missteps and come back with a vengeance. As a team, we're working toward an undefeated dual meet season along with an Ivy League championship. More specifically, we had the honor of qualifying five members to the NCAA Swimming & Diving Championships, and we'd like to improve on that number next year. We have a strong group of incoming first years and a solid corps of current swimmers and divers, and I'm certain that we'll be able to reach and surpass our goals next year if we set ourselves up for success now."