Thomas Skowron ’25 recently sailed the United States Coast Guard Barque Eagle from San Diego to Los Angeles as part of his first summer – called “Swab Summer” – at the United States Coast Guard Academy. Swab Summer is the seven-week boot-camp-like initiation program that incoming freshmen to the Coast Guard Academy go through in advance of their first year. Skowron’s group with the Barque Eagle learned the art of seamanship, teamwork and leadership skills necessary for officer careers by performing several duties aboard the ship during its trip down the California coach, including climbing the rigging (Skowron is at the top of the line climbing in the second photo) to the 150-foot-tall mast to adjust the sails. Skowron, who was part of a Canisius’ national champion senior second eight at the Scholastic Rowing Association of America regatta, was honored at the 2025 Senior Awards for earning his appointment to the highly selective Coast Guard Academy Families and students interest...