The State University of New York at New Paltz kicked off its annual alumni weekend Oct. 12, which gave the Hawks a chance to celebrate their rich history when they welcomed their very own alumni back to SUNY New Paltz. 

SUNY New Paltz has hosted the annual event for more than 50 years and through that time has learned some life lessons surrounding the value of trust and being a part of something larger than themselves. The alumni of the Hawks swim team were invited to attend several events to honor all of what they have accomplished.

"Alumni weekend provides the team an opportunity to learn the roots of the program from the previous team members," said SUNY New Paltz senior and co-captain Matt Pero. "Seeing how the program has evolved and how so many before us have contributed to its success is interesting and inspiring." 

The weekend began when Hawks coach Tom Eickelberg let SUNY New Paltz swimming's very own 2018 alumni, Caleb Treadwell, coach their Friday evening practice. Treadwell was involved in breaking several team records, including the men's 50-yard freestyle in 2017, which he swam in 21.06 seconds. Treadwell is currently the assistant coach of the men's and women's swimming teams at Wesleyan University, a prominent NCAA Division III school. 

"You guys have something so special," he said. "Awesome freshmen and sophomores from what I can tell. It was great getting to know them. They're having fun and like to be there."

The alumni meet began at noon, which allowed current Hawks to pay tribute to those who have done their time for the program, and a day in which old faces became familiar ones. Friends and families reconnected with their past and as traditions followed, the current Hawks swim team stood shoulder-to-shoulder on the north side of the pool waiting until alumni walked through the corridors to greet them as they stood side-by-side. As many different emotions filled the air, the alumni began to chant the famous New Paltz swimming cheer. For the swim team's current freshmen, it was the first time they heard it. After they finished, the alumni turned to the current Hawks and gave them consent to do their best imitation of the cheer. 

"I was prepared to feel a little unnerved as an alumni, and to be on the other side of the cheer after four years of being on the team," said 2019 alum Katie Donlevy. "Being surrounded by other alumni and old teammates felt really great, and it makes it to still feel at home at New Paltz."

The New Paltz swimming cheer is one of the team's most dazzling features. Passed down by generations of swimmers, the cheer lives on through the efforts of the past and current swimmers. The Alumni Meet is the first time the cheer is chanted each year. It is a reminder to the current swimmers that they are not alone, and for the freshmen hearing it for the first time, that they are a part of the family now. 

"The cheer is symbolic of the many generations who have been apart of this team," said SUNY New Paltz freshman Delilah Griger, whose sister's Tessa and Cassidy are current and former members of the team, respectively, with the latter graduating in 2016. "Listening to the alumni do the cheer made me realize that once you're a Hawk, you're always a Hawk. I'm excited to be a part of this team for the rest of my life."

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