The Milligan Men’s Swimming team captured its second Appalachian Athletic Conference title in Milligan history on Feb. 11, and freshman sprinter RJ Brumit was right in the middle of the action. He helped the Buffs achieve this goal with two individual titles in 100m back and 100m fly, with times of 50.23 and 52.23 respectively. He was also a part of the 200m and 400m relay medley teams.
Despite his recent success, his freshman year has not been the smoothest. Just two months ago, he thought his season may have been over earlier than expected. Brumit’s journey from his doctor’s office to the champions podium is one of perseverance, resilience, and hard work.
Last December, Brumit partially tore his posterior cruciate ligament in his right leg in a motor scooter accident. This was right after getting the news he had a nerve entrapment in his left ulnar nerve. Brumit described the news as “devastating.” His doctor said his season was most likely over.
“I felt broken and helpless. I spent Christmas break praying, rehabbing, and rediscovering my purpose,” said Brumit.
During Christmas break and the weeks leading up to the conference championships, Brumit worked endlessly inside and outside of his rehab sessions to get healthy enough to compete. He persevered through obstacles physically and mentally to get into race shape. Once he got into race shape, Brumit felt like he had been through the worst possible situation with the rehab process, so he wasn’t having any major mental blocks about getting into the water.
“Before getting in the water, I discussed what my return to swimming would look like with the coach and the doctor. I made sure I was confident before competing,” said the Kingsport-native. That confidence showed itself in the water, and he honors God through all of his success.
“Don’t get me wrong, I busted my butt to become a conference champion, but it is only by the grace of God I got to swim at all,” he said. “Our purpose in this life is to share the gospel and glorify him. The talents God has given me are for his glorification. I discovered swimming does not define me, he does.”
With his first collegiate season nearing its conclusion, despite all the trials and tribulations he has been through, Brumit has a positive attitude toward his freshman campaign.
“I have learned more about myself and my swimming than ever this season. Regardless of the outcome, I feel set up for success in the rest of my career.”
Brumit’s resilience and perseverance helped the men of Milligan set two single-meet AAC championship records, with 15 titles and a total of 1,034 points. Their point total was nearly 500 points ahead of the second place team, WVU Tech, according to a swimming team press release.
The trend of good news continued a few days later on Feb. 17 when Brumit and 23 of his teammates found out they qualified for the NAIA National Swimming Championship in Columbus, Ga. Brumit will compete in the 50m freestyle, 100m fly, 100m back, and be a part of the 200m medley relay.
Brumit made sure to thank all of his family, friends, teammates and coaches who checked up on him and helped him through this process.
For updates on Brumit and the rest of Milligan’s swim team, please visit milliganbuffs.com.
Headline image from Milligan Buffs