Episcopal Academy’s Henry Haupt is Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week
The junior swimmer is off to a fine start this winter, finishing first in the boys 100 breast and boys 200 IM in the Churchmen’s recent meet against Haverford School. Last winter, as a sophomore, he was among the best swimmers on the Easterns Leaderboard in 200 IM (seventh), 100 breast (seventh), 500 free (13th), 100 fly (16th) and 200 free (20th). He also finished third in the Inter-Ac in boys 100 breast and fourth in boys 200 IM. Last summer, Haupt qualified for the finals at the USA Swimming 2021 Futures Championships in West Fargo, North Dakota. Outside of the pool at EA, he is a member of the school’s Vestry and Woodshop, and plays the piano.
Q: What do you think was your best swim last winter, and what was the key to your performance that day?
A: The 200 IM at the second Malvern, Haverford, EA Tri Meet was the first time I had placed top two at a meet of that caliber. It felt amazing to get those points for my team. None of us were able to do our usual workouts, but my coach, Chris Lear, was able to make the most out of the shortened practices, helping us to get our endurance back as quickly as possible. As always, our mindset was to keep moving forward no matter the obstacles.
Q: What is your favorite memory of last season?
A: I remember being so excited just to have a chance to compete last winter in the two Malvern, Haverford, and Episcopal tri meets. It was fun to race again and to celebrate with my teammates. Despite the challenges of finding places to swim, wearing masks, and social distancing, we were able to get together and compete. I am looking forward to the time when we can all gather behind each lane and cheer each other on as in years past.
Q: What aspect of your swimming did you work on most during the off-season?
A: During the off-season, I worked to improve on the technical aspects of my strokes such as my length in the water and body position. When things began to open up in spring and summer, I tried to take full advantage of training time I didn’t have last winter. I am fortunate to have a family available for constant support.
Q: Tell us a little about your start in competitive swimming. What swimming accomplishment outside of EA are you most proud of?
A: In the beginning, with my parents, learning to swim was really just about being safe for my sisters and me. We were all on a swim team, and my sister Lily was really good. At first, I just wanted to beat her! I’ve always viewed her as a role model throughout my swimming career. She is a big reason why I continued to push myself in the sport. When I was 10 years old, I remember qualifying for my first Junior Olympics in the 100 breast. Before I could even see my time, Lily ran over to tell me that I had qualified. This past summer, I’m most proud of qualifying and finaling at Futures Championships in West Fargo, ND.
Q: Who have been your most valuable swimming mentors, and what were the most important things you learned from each of them?
A: I credit my success to my long time coach, Chris Lear, who has taught me that the sport of swimming is a process, and that as long as you are pushing yourself in and out of the water, there is little to be unhappy about.
Q: What is your favorite swimming venue, and why?
A: Franklin and Marshall’s Aquatic Center is my favorite swimming venue. I have fond memories at that pool watching swimmers break records and celebrating with my teammates and coaches.
Q: What is your favorite academic course at EA? What do you think you’d like to major in at college?
A: Mr. Herman’s World Literature class last year was the most impactful course I have ever taken. He not only taught about literature, but about the world, relationships, and appreciating multiple perspectives. As of right now, I have not decided on a major but I have always been interested in aspects of sport, whether psychology, medicine or the business of sports.
Fun facts – Henry Haupt
Favorite book: Boys In the Boat.
Favorite TV show: Game of Thrones or How I Met Your Mother.
Favorite movie: Miracle.
Favorite athlete: Cody Miller.
Favorite pre-meet pump-up song: Thunderstruck by AC/DC.
Favorite team: Philadelphia Eagles.
Favorite place to visit: “My family in Indiana.”
Favorite pre-meet meal: Chipotle.
Pre-meet preparation on race day: “I try to focus on what I can control, whether it’s getting a good night’s sleep, eating healthy snacks, and forms of recovery like foam rolling. For the Haverford meet specifically, I tried to go about my school day as usual.”
Person I most admire, and why: “My mom always taught me that work is the first step to any sort of success. She always pushes me to show up, be prepared, and, above all, enjoy the moment.”
Family members: parents Hans Haupt and Holly Hedrick, sisters Grace Haupt and Lily Haupt.
(To be selected for Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by his coach.)
