Whelan continues to make splash with Memorial swim program

By Corey LeBlanc

(ST. JOHN'S, N.L.) Matthew Whelan has made a splash since his first day as a student-athlete in Atlantic University Sport (AUS).

The native of St. John's—who won the 2022 rookie of the year award—is one of the top swimmers in the conference, a team leader of a hometown Memorial Sea-Hawks' program that will host the AUS championships later this month.

After starting the sport as a six-year-old, Whelan moved to a competitive level a couple of years later with the highly-regarded St. John's Legends swim club.

"I fell in love," he offers of his instant passion for the pool.

Whelan being "in the water" as part of a "competitive atmosphere" nourished his appetite more than other sports he played, such as hockey and baseball.

"I wasn't even that good," he says, with a laugh, when asked when he realized he could compete at a high level.

A later bloomer—Whelan offers that he did not start to make his mark until he was 14 or 15.

"Work really hard—swimming is not a sport where you can become magically good," he explains.

He really embraced that attitude in his late teens, an approach that helped catapult Whelan into a strong high school and club career.

Over that time span, the up-and-coming athlete focused on longer distances, including open water swims, which he notes helped prepare him for his transition to individual medley (IM) disciplines.

"I love doing every single swim," Whelan offers.

As for his approach each time that he takes the start line, "I get into my own zone."

Whelan adds, "When I get into the blocks, I am ready to go," as he continues to "plot" how the race will unfold.

As for his decision to continue his athletic and academic career at his hometown university, he offers, "It was really a no-brainer."

Whelan explains it not only provided financial benefits – it is much cheaper to study closer to home – but also the chance to continue with familiar teammates.

"One hundred per cent," he adds, when asked if he made the best decision.

Along with his athletic endeavors at MUN, Whelan is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree. His plan – once he starts his master's degree – is to narrow his focus, when it comes to career aspirations.

"It is definitely hard," he says of balancing a busy academic and athletic schedule.

Along with classes and studying, there are meets and – most weeks – nine practices; not to mention a couple of sessions in the weight room.

"I was used to getting up at 5 a.m.," Whelan notes of his sleep schedule in high school.

With a later start to the academic day at the university level, along with his house's proximity to the pool, he happily offers – with a laugh – he no longer has to get out of bed as early in the morning.

Chris Roberts, co-head coach of Memorial swimming, praises Whelan for his contributions to their program.

"Matty is such an important member of our team, being the top point scorer and a leader in training,"
he explains.

Roberts adds, "He is an example of the level of performance expected of a Sea-Hawk."

Whelan and the Sea-Hawks host the 2023 Subway AUS Swimming Championship this weekend St. John's.

"I am excited – everyone is super excited," he says.

Roberts agrees.

"All of the Sea-Hawks are looking forward to the excitement of AUS and cheering Matty [and each other] on," the Memorial mentor adds.

Roberts explains that his program will have a "strong roster" – 18 women and 16 men – for the final AUS meet.

"We have a great team that has worked hard to prepare for the championship."

He adds that the university and coaches have "worked hard to develop the team to a level that attracts high performance swimmers."

Roberts continues, "We are excited to showcase that here at home for this year's AUS championship."

Having the opportunity to compete in their home pool, with plenty of family and friends there to offer support, cannot be underestimated, according to Whelan.

"It is going to be a hyped environment," he predicts.

As he did in last season's championship meet, Whelan will compete in the 100 and 200-metre breaststrokes, along with the 200 and 400-meter IMs.

"If I could at least repeat that, it would be great," he offers of his 2022 finishes, which included gold (400m IM) and silver (200m IM) medals.

Whelan says it would be exciting if he could move up the ladder and capture the AUS swimmer of the meet award. He only missed out on that title last season—as a freshman—by a couple of points.

Earlier this season, in late November at the prestigious Kemp Fry meet hosted by Dalhousie University, swam to first place in both IMs.

Because he met the required standard in 2022, Whelan will also an opportunity to take national stage in the 200 and 400m IMs.

"I am really looking forward it," he says.

The 2023 U SPORTS Swimming Championship—hosted by the University of Victoria—will take place from Thursday, Feb. 23 to Saturday, Feb. 25.