PSAC Student-Athlete Feature - Steve Long Wednesday, February 22, 2012 5:59 PM ARCHIVED PROFILES STEVE LONG IUP - Engineering Major Greensburg / Hempfield Area HS Long is a sophomore swimmer who is coming off an outstanding performance at the recent PSAC Championships. During the meet he set school records in the 100 and 200 butterfly, which included new meet and overall PSAC marks in the 100. His 1:51.82 was 2.21 faster than his previous school mark in the 200, while his 48.61 in the 100 was the first sub-49 second time by a league competitor. He also helped his Crimson Hawks pick up several points in relay events, including a third-place finish in the 400 medley. Why did you choose IUP? Because I liked the campus and the swimming program and the people here. What is the biggest adjustment you had to make going from high school to college? Studying a lot more than I ever did in high school. What are your future plans? To get a degree here at IUP and go to graduate school at the University of Pittsburgh. Who is your favorite athlete and why? Of course my favorite athlete is Michael Phelps because I am a swimmer and he is a great athlete. What do you enjoy most about college? The freedom. What is your top collegiate athletics memory? Winning the 100 and 200 fly at PSAC Championships this year. What is your top athletics accomplishment throughout your life? When I made it to states in high school with my team. Among athletes in the family, where do you rate? I am the fastest in my family over my little brother, although he is catching up quickly. What is the best advice you've ever been given? Never give up no matter what. What person has had the most significant influence on you from an athletics perspective? My parents because they have been pushing me in the sport as much as I have pushed myself ever since I was young. If I could go pro in any sport it would be: swimming. If I could change one thing about the sport I play, it would be: fewer practices. What is your favorite pro sports team? The Pittsburgh Penguins. Do you have any pregame rituals? The only one I have is listening to music. What is on your Ipod before the meets? ‘We Ready’ by Archie, Eminem and Asking Alexandria. Fill in the blanks: When you’re in my hometown, you should try the Pittsburgher Sandwich from Primanti Brothers. Words your coach says that you swear you can hear in your sleep: EXCERCISE! Sport I would look bad doing, and why: Track. Because I am a terrible runner. What is your favorite vacation spot? Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The most addictive snack food for me is: POTATO CHIPS.