As part of the interactive series, Campus Connection, America East continues to travel across the conference featuring a team from each of our nine institutions. As part of the show, we also have the chance to learn some of the basics of the sports from our student-athletes.

In this edition of Campus Connection, America East journeys to UMBC, home of the Retrievers.

We caught up with the UMBC swimming and diving teams which captured the 2011 America East titles. Both the men’s and women’s teams are battling for the chance to sweep the conference titles again for the fourth time since joining the America East in 2004.

Chad Cradock, a former Retriever swimmer himself, is in his 11th season as head coach. During his tenure, the program has earned nine consecutive men’s conference titles and four women’s crowns.

Even though it appears that winning has become a tradition for the program, Coach Cradock prefers not to allow the past reflect the future. He sees every year as another opportunity to step up. The team philosophy is to never rest on your laurels.

We also had the chance to chat with a few of the swimmers and divers themselves, who expressed how unique the team is and how the coaching staff has played a major role in their success.

With only one week away until the 2012 America East Swimming and Diving Championship check out this feature to watch America East put our swimming and diving skills to the test.