Grant Beebe Breaks UMass Freshman Record, Reflects On Freshman Swim Season

Nantucket alum Grant Beebe has been turning heads throughout his freshman swim season at UMass Amherst, and this weekend he capped off a tremendous rookie campaign by breaking the school’s freshman record for the 100 yard butterfly with a time of 49.04 (previous record held by senior Ethan Davey, who earned a time of 49.21 his freshman season).

Beebe said his freshman season has been a blast so far and continues to be satisfied with his decision to join UMass Amherst’s Swim Program.

“I was drawn here because of the amazing team culture and it still managed to exceed my expectations,” Beebe said. “I was instantly taken in by these guys and it has been so much fun being part of this group. After wrapping up our season at the Atlantic 10 championships this weekend, I’m really happy with my results. I met nearly all of my goals and I’m already hungry for next season.”

Beebe was a busy man during the Atlantic 10 Championship meet, also competing in the 50 yard freestyle and finishing with a time of 21.14. He also competed in the 100 yard freestyle, finishing with a time of 47.14.

But for Beebe, a record breaking time and two impressive finished in the 50 and 100 free races wasn’t what he enjoyed the most.

“My biggest highlight from the meet was probably the opportunity to swim on the 400 medley relay,” he said. “Being on a championship relay was one of my biggest goals for the season and I worked really hard to earn it. I was the team’s fastest finisher in the 100 butterfly which granted me the spot for the fly leg on the relay.”

Beebe said swimming in that relay was one of the coolest experiences he has ever had.

“The ready room was super quiet and I remember feeling pretty comfortable right before the relay, which is odd because I’m usually super anxious before my races,” Beebe said. “It was my third race of the day though, so I was feeling really confident with my fly. When they called our heat and we walked out, the pool deck was roaring with all the different teams screaming and chanting.”

“I heard our team chanting ‘UMASS RELAY’ and it got me so excited. I split a 48.69 and it felt so good to be under 49 for the first time. I was really proud with how I performed. Unfortunately, we just barely missed the school record by 0.16 seconds, but none of us were seniors so we will be back to get it next year.”