Because of Lawler’s potent performances in the pool, most were disappointed to see his reduced role on the swimming team during the production of “Genie.”

“It’s not that he lost his thunder, but he just put everything into the play,” Pangilinan says.

Lawler readily acknowledges that fact.

“I just wasn’t quite as focused on swimming last semester,” he recounts. “I definitely wasn’t as committed as I had been in the past.”

Even so, team co-captain Andy Krna says that while Lawler’s physical presence waned, he never felt too far from the team.

“[The musical] took him away from the pool, but it wasn’t anything of consequence,” Krna says. “He’s always there for everybody on the team.”

And though Lawler’s post-“Genie” swimming performance hasn’t reached the astounding levels of his junior year—he placed significantly lower than usual in the 2005 NCAA meet—he is thankful that he decided to stick with the team.

“I’m so glad that I didn’t quit,” he says. “So glad.”

His fellow swimmers feel the same way, especially after Lawler’s contribution to the 2005 EISL champion Crimson.

“James is an inspiration to all of his teammates,” says freshman Pat Quinn, one of Lawler’s teammates. “He knows how to get the job done in and out of the pool.”

Lawler surely appreciates the many accolades, but he is ready to pass the torch on to younger members of the team, who he predicts “will clean up next year.”

THE SECRET SWIMMER

If anyone were ever poised to bridge the historical gap between jocks and drama kids, it seems that Lawler would be the man.

However, his success in said undertaking was limited.

Most of the swimmers showed up during the musical’s run to support their teammate.