Keiser wins 3rd NAIA national title in row
Seated in a dimly lit office with a newly acquired national championship trophy perched to his right, Adam Epstein revealed the key to his success: people.
A week ago, Epstein, head coach of Keiser University’s women’s swimming and diving team, helped lead the Seahawks to their third consecutive NAIA national championship, an unprecedented streak to become only the second active program to accomplish a three-peat of national titles.
Keiser added its latest championship banner to the collection on Sunday by completing a dominant performance at the national championship meet in Columbus, Georgia — ending every day of the event sitting atop the standings. The Seahawks compiled 655.5 points to easily outdistance St. Thomas (405), Milligan (324), Olivet Nazarene (315) and Indiana Wesleyan (283).
“Really excited for the ladies to see all their hard work come to a head,” Epstein said. “Very fortunate to have unbelievable leadership. Our captains and leaders really believe in the system.”
But the foundation upon which this program and its string of championships was built wasn’t an extensive practice schedule or a signing series of blue-chip recruits.
“We wanted to make sure we had good human beings, first and foremost,” Epstein said. “Set the groundwork to make sure our students know that our core values are more important than swimming fast.”
Certainly, no 240-pound linebacker is any match for The Cheetah. Right?
Wrong, at least in the eyes of new Dolphin Jordyn Brooks, who in his introductory news conference with South Florida reporters Thursday wasn’t shy about discussing his speed.
“I personally think I’m one of the fastest guys in the NFL,” Brooks said.
And just to make sure there was no misunderstanding, he quickly added, “Not linebackers but players. Period.”
When it was pointed out that he’s joining a team that isn’t short on speed — Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and Raheem Mostert still wear Dolphins colors, of course — Brooks still didn’t back down.
“I’m ready, man,” he said.
For the record, Brooks ran the 40 in 4.54 seconds at the NFL combine.