TOWSON, Md. – Zach Bishop is excited to build off of a strong performance at the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) championship meet as his senior season starts in a few weeks against Georgetown on Saturday, Oct. 13.
 
It will be the home opener for the Towson men's swimming program and the start of its 50th anniversary season.
 
Last year, Bishop won a bronze medal in the 200-yard backstroke, finishing with a new best time of 1 minute, 46.16 seconds. He was eighth in the 100-yard butterfly and 11th in the 200-yard butterfly. In the 100-yard butterfly, Bishop posted a time of 49.50 seconds, the first time in his career he finished under 50. His effort helped Towson finish third overall as a team at last year's championships.
 
Let's take a few minutes to get to know Bishop.
 
Why did you choose Towson?
I chose Towson because of the esteemed sport management program paired with the up and coming swim team.

What is your major and what do you enjoy about your major?
My major is sport management with a minor in business. What I enjoy about this is how the sports and business overlap combining two things I enjoy.
 
What's something about you that people don't know?
Something that people don't know about me is I really enjoy Frank Sinatra music.

Name an adverse situation and how did you overcome it?
An adverse situation I had to overcome was we had coaches leave my freshmen year but overcoming it was made easier when Towson announced coach Jake Shrum as the interim head coach and eventual head coach because I feel like he has and will continue to take the program to new heights.

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Snapchat?
Twitter.
 
What do you like most about swimming?
I like swimming because it provides a unique physical challenge not many sports can match.

What is your favorite thing about swimming for coach Shrum?
My favorite thing about coach Shrum is that he holds us accountable and pushes us to be our best.
 
Do you have any pregame rituals or traditions?
For home meets most of the men's team will go to West for breakfast.

What's the most challenging aspect of being a student-athlete?
The most challenging aspect of being a student-athlete is definitely trying to manage all its different aspects (school work, practice, social life).
 
Who's the first person you are calling or texting after games?
Most likely my mom, unless she's at the meet.
 
Who was your favorite athlete growing up and why?
Pedro Martinez. Each game he would come out and give it his best and wouldn't back down from anyone.

What age did you know you wanted to swim in college and what made you realize that?
When I was 12, and honestly I just wasn't as good at other sports.
  
What song/band is most likely to be playing on your phone?
"Good Night" by Kanye West.

What current show could you see yourself being a part of?
Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
 
Favorite vacation destination?
Outer Banks, N.C.
 
Most memorable team road trip and why?
Florida Invitational my freshmen year. It was just so cool being able to swim at the University of Florida against current American and NCAA record holders as well as numerous Olympians.
 
What will you miss about your teammates and being part of the Towson swimming program?
I will miss the guys that have become my second family and going through the daily grind with them.
 
What's been your biggest growth moment from freshman to senior year either on or off the field?
My biggest growth has been realizing (both in and out of the pool) there are things I may not want to do, but I need to in order to keep moving forward.

Words to live by?
"Talent is given, greatness is earned."

Plans after Towson? 
Start a coaching career.