GLASSBORO, NJ – For some, the college experience is a family affair. Rowan University swimmer Steve Tucker is now in his senior year at his parents’ alma mater. His parents, Steve and Diane Tucker, met at Glassboro State College, now Rowan, fell in love, married and then established their family in the South Jersey area.
Growing up in Pittsgrove Township, Tucker spent many hours at the University – from kindergarten to middle school. This was during the years that his father was the offensive coordinator for the football team.
When it came time to pick a college, Tucker visited multiple state schools in the tri-state area. He knew that he didn’t want to go too far from home and needed to make sure that the school had a solid education program. “Out of all the schools I looked into, I loved Rowan the best,” stated Tucker. “There’s just something about this campus that makes it feel like home.”
Another requirement for Tucker’s school decision included an excellent swim team. Since he was six years old, his passion for swimming has been evident. His mom swam for the women’s team when she was a student here. Diane was a coach for the YMCA Seals swim team in Vineland, NJ. The head coach there asked if Steve would like to join the team – but he could barely last one lap of backstroke. However, with the coach and his mother’s help, that one lap was the start of something huge. Tucker was recruited by Rowan head swim coach Tony Lisa when he was a high school senior.
At the University, Steve earned four letters and was a captain for the Profs his senior year. He swam his season top times in the 50 yard freestyle (21.98) and 100 (53.84) and 200 (2:00.11) yard butterflies at the 2010 Metropolitan Championships. He earned New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) All-Conference second team honors in the 200 yard butterfly. Tucker was on the team’s 200 and 400 yard freestyle relays that had season bests of 1:26.38 and 3:13.54 respectively.
His junior year, he was a member of the NJAC All-Conference second team 200 and 400 yard freestyle relays and the 200 yard medley relay. Tucker’s top times that season in the 50 (22.33) and 100 (49.50) yard freestyles and the 100 yard butterfly (54.23) came at the Metropolitan Championships. A Rowan Scholar-Athlete, he also received NJAC All-Academic honorable mention.
Tucker says he has a sense of Rowan pride, knowing that both his parents were here and excelled in academics and sports. They attended the school for its reputable education program as well. He tries to follow in their footsteps, leading a life that they would be proud of.
“The hardest things have definitely included balancing academic work, a social life and athletics,” stated Tucker. “There’s a lot of sacrificing that goes with that. I have to prioritize everything and see what’s important in that process. I have to think about what I’m doing and determine whether or not it will help to accomplish my goals.” Whether that be receiving an A on a paper or getting closer to a championship, Tucker has been extremely determined to finish strong.
“Rowan was a great fit for Steve and he’s had a wonderful four years at the school,” said his parents. “He received a first class education, established many friendships, had an outstanding swimming career and he always felt very comfortable and at home while he was on campus.” He more than lived up to their expectations both academically and on the swim team. His mother recalls how he visited the athletic director’s office the first day of his freshman year. “He was there so often that he virtually grew up on the campus and was so familiar with everyone connected with athletics. We always laugh about that and say there aren’t many students at any college that can stop by the athletic director’s office just to visit on their first day of school.”
Now in his senior year, he will be walking at graduation this May, then completing his student teaching requirements in the fall. Once his student teaching is finished, Tucker hopes to secure a job as a physical education teacher. He’s put a lot of time into his academics and the rigorous education program that Rowan is so highly renowned for. “The teaching program has very high standards, and makes sure that they are putting well educated people out into the field,” praised Tucker. “It’s tough, but if you’re determined and have enough will power you can definitely get it done.”
