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The Rice Thresher
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by John C. Chao thresher staff
That's why he came to Rice three years ago - to show doubters that a small, academically focused institution can also have a high-caliber swim team. When Boyd first arrived at Rice, the swim team was mediocre. The Owls aren't among the top squads in the nation yet, but they're leaps and bounds ahead of where the program was before Boyd's arrival. Much of the progress can be attributed to Boyd's fiery, competitive spirit. "When I came here to Rice, things weren't very successful," Boyd said. "I have an ego, and I like to prove people wrong." So far, he's succeeded. The Owls came in third at last year's Western Athletic Conference Championships and have consistently posted faster times this year than they did at the same points last year. Last fall, Rice finished ahead of two top-20 teams at the University of Texas Invitational. Boyd is also a solid recruiter. This year's freshman class includes Elaine Lee, who has the Owls' fastest times of the season in the 100-yard backstroke and the 100-yard fly. Boyd also brought in Toni Ciffolilli, an Australian who has been one of Rice's most consistent swimmers this season. Boyd attributes his success to strong connections in the swimming world. "I consider myself more of a scouter than a recruiter," he said. "I have pretty effective athlete networks and contacts." Boyd knows academics are important in the lives of his swimmers and takes pride in the fact that the cumulative grade point average of his team has never been under 3.3. But Boyd isn't done silencing his critics, and he won't be happy until his team is consistently ranked among the top 25 squads in the country. "The hard part is getting into the top 25," Boyd said. "Once you are a ranked team, you don't lose your status overnight." The goal is tough - but Boyd knows it is attainable. In fact, a determined Boyd wouldn't just acknowledge the possibility of Rice cracking the 25 - he promised it will happen. "Three years from now, we will be in the top 25," he said.
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