Excellent student athlete performance was awarded to Las Positas’s Kyle Suchland on March 27 at the San Mateo Marriott. The Las Positas College Hawks swimmer was selected for inclusion on the 2012 California Community College Athletic Association’s (CCCAA) Scholar Athlete Honor Roll. Suchland was one of seven student athletes recognized statewide by CCCAA.
“Just being able to see how swimming and school has all come together for me in the past few years makes me feel like I’m doing something right,” Suchland said.
The LPC student has dominated in the pool, holding five school records, including the fastest 100-yard freestyle (46.72) in a relay. He accomplished this all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Swim coach Jason Craighead accompanied his star swimmer to the luncheon ceremony.
“Its always good to celebrate those that can achieve athletically and academically,” Craighead said. “ It’s harder than people think.”
Suchland credits his coach and teammates for his CCCAA award.
“Whenever someone’s in the pool, they’re working their ass off,” Suchland said. “When we get out, we are in the library studying together.”
Originally a water polo player, Suchland turned to swimming competitively as a means to stay in shape for the water polo season.
“I fell in love with water polo and realized if I wanted to be a competitor, I had to train in the offseason,” said Suchland. “Swimming was the best way to do that.”
After an opportunity to take water polo scholarships to other two-year schools, Las Positas made the most sense for Suchland’s future in Fire Science. The raw but talented swimmer joined Craighead’s team, not knowing the impact he would have on the team.
“Once I got in the pool here, had a great coach and teammates and really fell in love with swimming again,” Suchland said.
Three years later, Suchland has propelled himself to top honors, praised in front of hundreds for his all-around achievements.
“He likes to learn and challenge himself,” Craighead said. ”He’ll rise to meet the moment.”
The CCCAA has provided the last award for Suchland’s tenure here at Las Positas.
Ineligible to compete for the 2013 season, Suchland can still be found practicing with his team in which he finds comfort and motivation. Attending Cal Poly next year in hopes of majoring in business administration, the talented back stroker may have competed in his last race.
“Might look into swimming, we’ll see what happens,” Suchland said.
The accomplished swimmer leaves with a 4.0 GPA, school records and a CCCAA award to commemorate both.
