FAIRFAX, Va. - This Out of the Pool features senior Austin Witherow, also known as Louie, a native of Mechanicsville, Va. Witherow competes in Sprint Freestyle, Backstroke and Butterfly events for Mason. In the Patriots' last meet against Delaware, Witherow took second place in the 100 Backstroke with a time of 52.65 and was also the lead-off swimmer in the 400 Freestyle relay. Mason's first place finish in the 400 Freestyle relay was the deciding factor in a tight meet and clinched the conference win for the Patriots.

GoMason.com: Why did you choose George Mason University?

Witherow: Mason showed a strong interest in my swimming and I had a great time on my recruiting trip here.

GoMason.com: How did you get into swimming?

Witherow: I started swimming in a summer league when I was eight years old.

GoMason.com: Did you always know you wanted to swim in college?

Witherow: No, I actually didn't want to swim in college but when Mason sent me a letter I figured I would give it a chance.

GoMason.com: What is your favorite swimming event, and why?

Witherow: I really enjoy the 50 Backstroke. The under waters and fast pace of the event makes it a really exciting race.

GoMason.com: Do you have any pre-meet rituals that you have to do before you swim?

Witherow: I try to stretch and listen to the 'Calming Meditation' station on Pandora, and visualize my races.

GoMason.com: Who would you say you look up to the most?

Witherow: Peter Ward. He is really the best coach I could have.

GoMason.com: What are your goals for this season?

Witherow: I would like to go all best times and have a successful senior year.

GoMason.com: For people who don't understand swimming, can you explain what a typical practice entails? What is your favorite workout?

Witherow: A general practice consists of a warm up period to get your muscles warmed up, a buffer set (which helps you prepare, get your heart rate up & get you in the zone), a main set and cool down. The warm up, buffer and cool down are tailored to help you perform well in the main set, which always has a focus. My favorite practices are challenging butterfly or backstroke practices.

GoMason.com: What was your favorite swimming moment from the 2012 London Olympics?

Witherow: Anything and everything Missy Franklin did.

GoMason.com: If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you take with you?

Witherow: Some good knives, tools for making shelter and tools for making fire.

GoMason.com: What is your biggest pet peeve?

Witherow: My own inability to not let things bother me so much.

GoMason.com: What would you like to do after college?

Witherow: I'd like to travel around Europe with my best friend and teammate David Kiss.

GoMason.com: If you could visit any place in the world, where would you go?

Witherow: I would visit New Zealand.

GoMason.com: From a swimming stand point, were you team Phelps or Lochte during the Olympics?

Witherow: I was hoping for Locthe, but then I kind of just gave in and admitted that Phelps truly was an inspiring athlete.

Austin Witherow's Favorites:

Color: Charcoal

Ice-cream flavor: Chocolate

Quote: A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.

Academic Class: Web Design in general

TV Show: Dexter

Movie: The Princess Bride

Food: Cinnamon Buns