Meet the Freshmen: Andrew Reeves
10/14/2008 12:00:00 AM | Swimming & Diving
Oct. 14, 2008
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - There's no doubt that The University of Alabama is a family affair when it comes to freshman breaststroker Andrew Reeves. Both his parents, Russell and Linda, went to Alabama, as did brothers David and Charles. It was Charles who gave Andrew a connection to the swimming and diving team, competing for the Crimson Tide from 2000-03.
The youngest Reeves is more than just a legacy though, he's a devoted fan, with images of Alabama-Auburn football games making up some of his earliest memories.
"I've been an Alabama fan all my life," Andrew Reeves said. "I remember my parents taking me to the Iron Bowl when it was in Birmingham. I've just always been immersed in the culture. "
Swimming has long been a part of his life as well. The Vestavia Hills graduate laughed when asked how long he's been swimming, "Always!" In addition to being a High School All-American for Rick Grammer at Vestavia Hills, Reeves competed for former Alabama swimmer Brian Wrighton at the Birmingham Swim League. The transition from high school to major college swimming has taken a lot of effort, but Reeves sees it paying off already.
"It's much harder work than high school, but it's worth it," Reeves said. "I've already gone faster in-season than I ever did in high school."
With both parents being doctors, it would be an easy leap to think Reeves is heading into pre-med, but while he has followed in the family footsteps to the Capstone, Andrew, a National Merit Finalist, has chosen a different academic path.
"I want to work with computers," Reeves said. "I'm currently pursuing a double major in computer engineering and computer science. I may change my mind about that somewhere down the road, but for now computers are where I want to work."
As part of one of the Tide's 200 medley relay against Delta State, Reeves was the first freshman to make a competitive splash for the Tide this season, a moment that was lost in the excitement of his first collegiate meet. A moment that wasn't lost on him was having his brother Charles in the stands for that meet.
"It was different for sure," the younger Reeves said. "It was my brother watching me instead of the other way around."
Andrew Reeves had competed in the Don Gambril Olympic Pool before his Crimson Tide debut, at club meets, but swimming in the home of the Tide as a member of the team was different.
"Well, the meet was shorter," he said with a laugh. "Age group meets last all day. What I really like about the college environment is that everybody works together and supports each other. It's like a family."
And that's coming from someone who definitely know about the family aspects of the Crimson Tide.
Players Mentioned
