As a Missouri Valley Conference record holder, one might expect SIUC swimmer Doug Fulling to be set only on bettering his times and concentrating on swimming. However, SIUC men’s swimming coach Rick Walker said Fulling is more than just another talented swimmer.

Doug brings a lot more than just his talent he’s a team leader, Walker said. We’ve had several conversations about being a leader. He expects it out of himself.

Fulling, however, downplayed his role of team leader.

Advertisement

We really don’t have team captains, Fulling said. It’s a different leader every day that we go out.

Walker said Fulling is a very positive and motivated athlete who also is very concerned about academics.

He realizes that sports is secondary for him, Walker said. His major function at SIUC is as a student.

Walker continued, As I’m just starting a family, he’s who I would like my kids to be influenced by.

The senior will begin his season at the home opening meet Oct. 21 against both Evansville and Drury College, slated for 12 p.m.

Fulling said SIUC’s victories at the Eastern Independent Conference championship and the MVC championship last year were big accomplishments for him and the team, as was setting the MVC record in the 100-meter freestyle.

Fulling said it was exposure to a family member who swam that first got him interested in swimming at the age of 12.

Advertisement*

My younger brother started swimming, and I just kind of tagged along to all of his meets, Fulling said. I got bored with watching him and decided to try it.

Fulling said his success in swimming led him to drop the other sports that he was interested in when he was younger.

I was competitive in other sports before, like baseball and basketball, he said. As I succeeded in swimming I gradually gave up the other sports.

see FULLING, page 11