Over the past few months three hurricanes, Irma, Jose, and Maria made landfall in Puerto Rico and destroyed almost everything in their paths. To this day, most of the U.S. territory is still without power or clean water.
Bellarmine freshmen Gabriel Barreras is from Guaynabo, Puerto Rico and his family’s home was one of the homes that took damage from the 180 plus mph winds. A week after the hurricane hit the family was able to leave Puerto Rico.
The family was able to secure a flight to the mainland before the airport closed to stay in Atlanta, Georgia. These storms were scary for Barreras because he could not contact anyone he knew on the island; all he could do was watch and hope his family was going to be okay.
“It was hard being able to talk to my family in the beginning because all the power lines were destroyed but when they left to Atlanta I was able to maintain contact with them,” Barreras said.
Fortunately, Barreras’ family was able to return to Puerto Rico three weeks after their arrival in Atlanta because their house is located in an area that has power restored. Gabriel’s mother, father and three brothers are doing their best to adjust to what daily life has become on the island. At the end of this semester, Barreras, an exercise science/pre-physical therapy major, plans to go back Guaynabo to see his family. For now, his focus is on working hard in the classroom and pool.
Barreras started his swimming career eight years ago. Back home, he competes for the Caparra Country Club. While he specializes in butterfly today, he has swam a variety of events growing up.
Barreras has enjoyed his short three months at Bellarmine. He chose the school for the combination of the exercise science program and swim team. He is thankful for his nice and friendly teammates but does not mind competing against them in practice.
Men’s head coach John Brucato recruited him because he was one of the top recruits coming out of Puerto Rico his senior year.
“I knew from speaking with another coach I know in Puerto Rico that he was used to an intensive training regime and would not have any problem adjusting to our workload,” Brucato said.
Junior team captain and record holder Marc McCormick had high praises for Barreras.
“He’s very motivated and comes to practice everyday wanting to get better,” McCormick said. The Knights swim team has started its season, and Barreras finished sixth and seventh, respectively in the 200 and 100 yard butterfly events at the Derby City Invitational on Oct. 7.