Feb. 6, 2006
When asked how he ended up at Stony Brook University, sophomore swimmer Vladimir Sreckovic sat back, smiled, and said, "Well that is a long story."
It is fair to say that is somewhat of an understatement.
A native of Serbia and Montenegro, from the small town of Jagodina, which means strawberry town, Sreckovic's story is unlike most other college students in the nation. Growing up in a war torn country stricken with hunger, poverty, and inflation, he persevered through it all with a combination of hard work and what he calls "a bit of destiny."
Growing up in a time when inflation had taken its toll on his country, his mother, Mirjana, a professor of Serbian language and world literature, and his father Milojub, an electrical engineer, earned a combined salary of $10 a month. It was during these times when all there was to eat for an entire week for his family of four was just peas.
While most 15-year olds were worrying about learning to drive, what was happening on the weekend, or making the varsity team, Vladimir was living on his own, cooking for himself in a rented out room in the capital city of Serbia, Belgrade in 2002. While attending high school at Sports Grammar, he broke five school records in the pool, and through his determination in the classroom, he graduated two months early so he could concentrate on training for the upcoming international swimming competitions held in the summer.
With his swimming times better than ever, he made the decision to head to the United States of America to go to college and swim at the collegiate level. Sreckovic sent out over 100 emails to college coaches all across America, hoping for a swimming scholarship. Money was tight in Sreckovic family, and without a scholarship or two, Vladimir's dreams would be just that - dreams.
"I wanted that American dream you always see in the movies, I wanted a life that was worth living," he explained. "Every once in a while I would get a response from a coach, offering me some money to swim. I was really expecting, everything to be covered, with them saying please come, we will take care of everything!" he said with a laugh. " I was still going to have to pay $5000, which there was no way I could afford."
Still without a lucrative offer from an American institution and waiting for the results of his SAT's, he found himself back in Jagodina, not enrolled in the University in Serbia, and without much hope for what his life would hold.
"After high school, all of my friends who I had gone to elementary school with had all gone to the University, so I was the only one left in my town. My whole life I had felt like I was smart and was ahead of everyone, but I was the only one who had not gone to the University," Sreckovic explained. "After a whole year of pushing myself, I came back only to have my relatives asking me what I was doing with my life and why I was wasting away, doing nothing. To be honest, I lost a lot of hope. "
With things looking bleak, Sreckovic received a phone call from one of his close friends. Danilo Perunovic, the swim coach for the North Dakota State University swim team was in Serbia, but was now at the airport, about to fly back to the States. If there was anyone who could help Sreckovic get to America and out of Serbia, it was this man.
"I really believe in destiny. If something is meant to be, it is going to happen. I called Danilo while he was at the airport. I spoke to him just a few minutes before he left. He told me he could help me find a strong school academically and athletically."
Perunovic responded with an email, listing seven schools that he thought would be a perfect fit for Sreckovic. Atop that list was Stony Brook University. Sreckovic sent out emails to the schools, and received responses, but it was an email from Stony Brook head coach Dave Alexander stood that out from the rest.
"Dave's email was the shortest and it stood out. All it asked for was my phone number, and he said he would call me soon. Now is when the destiny really starts to kick in," Sreckovic said, grinning from ear to ear.
On February 28, 2003, Sreckovic was celebrating his 20th birthday with his relatives at home in Jagodina when he received a phone call that would change his life forever.
"I really didn't expect it. 2003 was the worst year of my life, nothing worked at all. When Coach Alexander said the magic number of how much financial aid he could provide me, he revived my dream."
With the help of a woman named Elizabeth Chung, an American who helps Serbians come over to America to further their education, the proper paperwork was filled out and Sreckovic was on the to America to succeed. Thanks to an academic and athletic scholarship, Vladimir Sreckovic was going to be a Stony Brook Seawolf.
Upon his arrival to campus, Sreckovic wasted no time making an impact in the pool. Ranked sixth in the America East Conference in the 200 breaststroke and 10th in the 100 breaststroke, he feels very confident about Stony Brook's chances in the America East Swimming and Diving Championships just a few weeks away.
"I think that this year's team is the best ever at Stony Brook. We have at least 16 swimmers who are all going to vie for individual championships. It is going to be a very exciting four days in Boston."
His success in the pool and in everything he has accomplished in life can be attributed to one thing - hard work.
"When I am on the blocks, I just ask God every race to make sure who ever worked the hardest wins the race. I value hard work the most because hard work is all about you. You have to mentally push your mind and body, and that is how you prove you are in control of your life."
There is no one who has been more proud of Sreckovic than his coach.
"It is coaching someone like Vlad that makes coaching a great profession," said Alexander. "He has a great attitude for life, being in charge of himself and not relying on other people. He continues each day to push himself and those around him. Vlad embodies so many positive aspects of Division I swimming. Simply put, he is a role model for so many others."
For a man that "revived his lifelong dream," Sreckovic has nothing but respect and admiration for Alexander.
"He is more of a father to me than a coach to be honest. I don't see him as my coach, I see him as my father figure. He has always been there for me, and I have so much respect for that man. I love him."
Since coming to America, Sreckovic has had nothing short of a full plate. Not only is he a resident assistant in one of the dorms on campus and a lifeguard at the University's pool, but he also works for the local North Shore Swimming Club.
His work in the classroom has been even more impressive. With a 4.0 grade point average, Sreckovic is majoring in political science while completing a minor in international studies. Carrying 24 credits this semester, he plans on graduating college in three years.
"Although I have only known him for a year and a half, it is obvious that great things are in store for Vladimir's future," said Director of Student-Athlete Development Courtney Boergers. "In his short time here, he has already made lasting impressions on Stony Brook as an ambassador for our University. His hard work and dedication in the classroom, the swimming pool, and in the community should be commended."
For one young man to be so motivated in his life, surviving on his own in a whole new world, with an impeccable record in the classroom, and making waves in the pool, the question of what motivates him comes to mind.
"I am being completely honest with you. I do all of this because I would like to bring my sister, Andejlija, to America, because she really deserves it," Sreckovic said with sudden serious tone. "With her talent in the pool, she could get a scholarship to many schools right now, and she is only 14. Being smart and talented is really appreciated here, and she deserves a chance. The tickets to the future are academics and athletics, and that is how to get out of Serbia. The only reason I think about Serbia anymore is because my family lives there."
Having such a good relationship with his family, it has obviously been difficult to be away from them. But each week, thanks to a two-hour phone card, he is able to catch up with his family. His sister does not have a swim coach, so much of the time is spent discussing training regiments for her.
"Before I know it, I hear that beep, meaning my time is about to run out. There is always so much I want to talk about. It will just have to wait till next week."
Having accomplished so much despite struggling through adversity, Vladimir Sreckovic still has some lofty goals.
"I want to go to graduate school and then get my PhD in political science. I would really like to be a humanitarian, and help people who have lived their lives similar to mine."
"I lived through war, hunger, poverty, and inflation. I lived through it all, and if I can do it, anyone can."
