Somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, freshman swimmer Lukasz Herbst started to realize the magnitude of leaving his home in Warsaw, Poland and coming to the United States for the first time.

“It’s like a dream,” he said. “I wasn’t sure what to expect.”

In Warsaw, Herbst studied psychology and swam for the Polish National Team. He said he is still on the squad, and his time here is “like an academic holiday.”

Herbst made the journey to swim for the Toppers about two months ago. He said he came because of the challenge a new environment presents.

Language has been the biggest obstacle for Herbst at Western. He said he spent about six months studying lessons and watching American movies to improve his English.

Herbst said his teammates have helped him to understand what the coaches expect at practice and introduced him to student life, including his first Halloween party Saturday night.

Herbst was a vampire.

He said he is humored by the differences in the Polish and American outlook on life.

“Americans are always having a good time,” he said. “In Poland, people are more serious.”

This difference is evident in the team’s training, too. Herbst said he dreaded the hard, monotonous practices of the Polish National Team.

“I still hate getting up early and jumping into the cold water,” he said. “Here, people do it with smiles.”

Herbst said he enjoys his time in the water more here because the drills are technical and every practice is different.

Teammate Hiroaki Konno said he sees how Herbst likes practicing more than other swimmers.

“The way Lukasz trains and takes swimming seriously makes me train harder,” he said.

Herbst said his training here has two purposes. He wants to help the Toppers defend their Sun Belt Championship title, and he wants to go back to Poland this summer ready for the national championships.

Herbst swims the 50- and 100-yard freestyle races. In the Toppers’ win over Butler, he placed first in both events.

Coach Bruce Marchionda said Herbst is making big contributions to the team, both in and out of the pool.

“He’s got a great sense of humor and a great work ethic,” Marchionda said. “That’s invaluable.”

Though Herbst misses the family, friends and culture he left in Poland, he said everyone on the team is really supportive.

“I’m having an amazing time here,” Herbst said. “I’m really glad I could join this family.”

Reach Laura Clark
at sports@wkuherald.com.