2012-2013 Wagner Swimming & Diving Media Guide

Page 1


Wagner College Swimming & Diving 2012-2013 Schedule DATE

OPPONENT

LOCATION

TIME

10.6.12

C.W. Post

Brookville, NY

1:00 p.m.

10.13.12

Vermont

Burlington, VT

1:00 p.m.

10.20.12

Bryant

Smithfield, RI

1:00 p.m.

10.26.12

Rutgers

Piscataway, NJ

4:00 p.m.

10.27.12

Iona/St. Francis (NY)/ New Rochelle, NY 11:30 a.m. Sacred Heart

11.3.12

ST. FRANCIS (NY)

Staten Island, NY

1:00 p.m.

11.30.12-12.2.12 CCSU Invitational

New Britain, CT

2:00 p.m.

1.19.13

Rhode Island

Kingston, RI

2:00 p.m.

2.2.13

Central Connecticut

New Britain, CT

2:00 p.m.

2.9.13

SAINT FRANCIS (PA) Staten Island, NY

2.28.13-3.2.13 Northeast Conference Boston, MA Swimming & Diving Championships

2

wagnerathletics.com

12:00 p.m. TBD


Wagner College Swimming & Diving WAGNER COLLEGE QUICK FACTS Location....................................................Staten Island, NY Enrollment...............................................2,100 (1,700 undergraduate) President..................................................Dr. Richard Guarasci Founded...................................................1883 Nickname.................................................Seahawks Colors........................................................Green and White Conference...............................................Northeast (NEC) Facility......................................................Wagner Pool (Spiro Center) Athletics Director..................................Walt Hameline Athletics Phone......................................(718) 390-3433 Athletics Fax...........................................(718) 390-3347 SEAHAWKS SWIMMING & DIVING COACHING STAFF Head Coach.............................................Colin Shannahan Alma Mater..............................................Columbia, 2002 Years at Wagner.....................................Second Season E-mail........................................................colin.shannahan@wagner.edu Office Phone............................................(718) 390-3191 Diving Coach...........................................Meg Marco Alma Mater..............................................Penn State, 2011 Years at Wagner.....................................First Season E-mail........................................................megan.marco@wagner.edu Office Phone............................................(718) 390-3191 Assistant Coach......................................Laura DeGore Alma Mater..............................................Southern Connecticut, 2011 Years at Wagner.....................................Second Season E-mail........................................................laura.degore@wagner.edu Office Phone............................................(718) 420-4063 WAGNER MEDIA INFORMATION Sports Information Director...............John Beisser Swimming & Diving Contact.............Miles McQuiggan Office Phone............................................(718) 390-3213 Cell Phone................................................(401) 207-8962 E-Mail.......................................................miles.mcquiggan@wagner.edu Fax.............................................................(718) 420-4015 Official Wagner Website.....................www.wagnerathletics.com Media Relations Mailing Address.....One Campus Road ....................................................................Staten Island, NY 10301

TABLE OF CONTENTS Quick Facts/Credits............................................................... 3 This Is Wagner........................................................................ 4-5 We Are Seahawks................................................................... 6-7 Facilities.................................................................................... 8-9 Administration........................................................................ 10-11 Support Staff & Coaches...................................................... 12-13 Directions.................................................................................. 14 The Northeast Conferernce................................................. 15-19 Coaching Staff.......................................................................... 20-21 2012-2013 Season Outlook.................................................... 22-23 Meet The Seahawks............................................................... 24-45 2011-2012 Review.................................................................... 46 Top-Time List.......................................................................... 47 MEDIA GUIDE CREDITS The 2012-2013 Wagner College swimming & diving guide was designed and written by Miles McQuiggan, swimming & diving contact and media relations assistant, with editorial assistance from John Beisser, Kevin Ross, Gabe Gilson, Colin Shannahan, Laura DeGore, and Meg Marco. Photography by David Saffran and the Wagner College Media Relations Department. THE NORTHEAST CONFERENCE The NEC office, located in Somerset, New Jersey, provides weekly releases and updated statistics to working media and fans. Director of Communications & Social Media Ralph Ventre can be reached at (732) 469-0440 or by e-mail at rventre@northeastconference.org. All NEC releases, standings and statistics are posted on the league web site (www.northeastconference.org) on a daily basis. 2011 YEAR IN REVIEW Overall Dual Record..............................7-4 (.636) NEC Dual Record..................................4-1 (.800) NEC Finish..............................................Third Place

wagnerathletics.com

3


As tenacious as any Seahawk, Wagner College enjoys a bucolic perch atop Grymes Hill overlooking Manhattan and the other boroughs of New York City. Founded in 1883 as a Lutheran proseminary, Wagner has evolved to become an independent residential liberal arts college enrolling a capacity of over 2,000 students. The location of the College above the gateway to one of the world’s greatest financial and cultural capitals was the work of alumnus Frank Sutter who convinced the College’s Board of Trustees to relocate Wagner here from Rochester in 1918. In this, the Rev. Sutter and the trustees were extraordinarily prescient. Their wisdom provided Wagner with a distinct geographical advantage over all other all liberal arts colleges in the country. Wagner is New York State’s southernmost college and its 105 park-like acres represent the highest elevation on the eastern seaboard from Maine to Key West Florida. The College’s signature curriculum – the Wagner Plan for the Practical Liberal Arts – capitalizes on the best of a traditional, suburban, liberal arts college campus and the infinite array of educational opportunities afforded by New York City. Students intern in the world’s leading financial institutions. They observe and experience diversity from the sophisticated workings of the United Nations to melting pots of multicultural neighborhoods. They circulate in the city’s unparalleled creative environment of museums, media, and performing arts. This is their laboratory. They immerse themselves and are inspired by the city’s sheer energy. The contrast between the frenetic life of the city and the almost pastoral setting of the campus is the perfect metaphor for the melding of experiential and theoretical education that is the hallmark of The Wagner Plan. In small learning communities, students and faculty explore the conceptual foundations of the arts, humanities, and sciences. The faculty challenges students to consider new ideas, to master new skills and technologies, and to reflect and draw meaning from what they have experienced in and out of the classroom. A lush canopy of mature maples and oaks shades Wagner’s 105-acre campus of manicured lawns and gardens; historic and modern buildings; and sweeping views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and New York Harbor. In early 2009, former U.S. President Bill Clinton recognized Wagner College and President Richard Guarasci, at the second annual Clinton Global Initiative University. Wagner was cited for the Port Richmond Partnership, an innovative program that will focus the school’s community resources in an effort to improve quality of life in a specific Staten Island neighborhood. Movie companies have frequently used the campus as a classic college setting, most recently for a movie titled “School of Rock” starring Jack Black (Shallow Hal). The picturesque campus was also used in a fall 2001 television series, The Education of Max Bixford, starring Richard Dreyfus and as the site of a prospective private military school in the HBO series, The Sopranos.


Since the adoption of the Wagner Plan in 1997, enrollment has increased by nearly 40 percent and student quality as measured by high school average and SAT scores have improved as well. Once largely a commuter campus, now 82 percent of all undergraduates live on campus in residence halls that offer “million dollar” views. Though continuing to serve students from metropolitan New York, the college draws most of its enrollment from beyond the immediate region. By every measure – enrollment, endowment, and national reputation – Wagner is ascending the ranks of America’s strongest small colleges that blend the liberal arts with a commitment to service and preparation for the professions. Campus life includes the array of sports provided by an NCAA Division I program which is housed in a 93,000-square-foot sports center featuring an extensive fitness center, an indoor NCAA swimming pool and a basketball arena. A football and track & field stadium showcases a variety of playing fields throughout the campus including baseball, softball, lacrosse and soccer venues. Wagner’s alumni include Broadway Tony award winners, movie stars, film producers, playwrights, and Fortune 500 CEO’s including the chairman of GE Investments, the chairman of Dupont Europe, the chairman Emeritus of The Oppenheimer Management Company and the chairman of the New York Power Authority. Visitors to and residents of New York City alike enjoy access to a rich and diverse array of museums, cultural organizations, arts performances, sports teams, societies and attractions. Some of the best and most famous attractions in the world call New York City home. We encourage you to find out more about them, so that you can plan a visit to what is one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the world. To get to Manhattan from Staten Island, you can take a ride on the world-famous Staten Island Ferry, a well-recognized icon of New York City transportation, and incidentally, a free ride into the heart of New York City.

Majors & Programs Anthropology* Art* Art History (minor only) Arts Administration

Art, Music, Theatre, Combined Arts

Biology* Biopsychology Business Administration Accounting, Finance, International Business, Management, Marketing

Chemistry*

Biochemistry

Computer Science* Dance (minor only) Economics* Education Dual Certification in Childhood (Elementary) and Special Education, Theater Arts (K-12), Minor in Adolescent (Secondary) Education

English* Environmental Studies French Gender Studies (minor only) German (minor only) History* Information Systems (minor only) International Affairs

International Politics International Economics

Italian Studies (minor only) Journalism (minor only) Mathematics* Microbiology* Music*

Nursing Philosophy (minor only) Physician Asst. (Jan. 1 deadline) Physics* Political Science* Psychology* Public Policy and Administration Religious Studies (minor only) Sociology Academic Sociology, Criminal Justice, Family Studies

Spanish* Theatre* (Dec. 15 deadline) Performance; Design/Technology/ Management

Pre-Professional Programs Health: Chiropractic, Dental, Medical, Optometry, Pharmacy, Podiatry, Veterinary Other: Law, Engineering, Ministry

5-Year Master’s Program Accounting Graduate Division Advanced Physician Assistant Studies Business Administration Education Microbiology Nursing *=major and minor available Italics=concentration

Wagner’s unique location offers students a campus setting that feels hundreds of miles away from anywhere, while actually only a ferry ride away from the professional and cultural riches of the world’s most dynamic city New York City




Wagner College Swimming & Diving

In September of 2012, Wagner College Stadium was renamed in honor of longtime athletic director and head football coach Walt Hameline. Hameline Field serves as the home for Wagner football, women’s soccer, and men’s and women’s lacrosse. The stadium features the Lebovitz Family Scoreboard, which was donated in 2010, and a synthetic field turf surface.

8

wagnerathletics.com


Wagner College Swimming & Diving

wagnerathletics.com

9


Dr. Richard Guarasci Wagner College President Dr. Richard Guarasci is the 18th President of Wagner College, where he was previously the Provost and Senior Vice President, responsible for academic and student affairs, admissions, and support service, in addition to serving as the chief operating officer. He holds the rank of Professor of Political Science and he teaches in the areas of democracy, citizenship and American diversity.

At Wagner, Dr. Guarasci founded The Wagner Plan for the Practical Liberal Arts, the four-year curriculum for all undergraduates, that draws together a substantive liberal arts core into a series of learning communities and experiential learning tutorials. Dr. Guarasci was Dean of the College and Professor of Political Science at Hobart College from 1992-1997. Previously he served as Dean and founding Director of the First Year Program at St. Lawrence University, a nationally celebrated model program of democratic living and learning required for all first year students that joined first year housing to a two semester schedule. Dr. Guarasci is the author of Democratic Education in the Age of Difference: Redefining Citizenship in Higher Education (Jossey-Bass, 1997), and numerous other publications including 3 books, more than 20 articles and more than 50 conference presentations. He is now a national leader in higher education with many speaking engagements throughout the United States. He is an active educational consultant for more than 20 universities and colleges. Time Magazine selected him as a National Undergraduate Educator and he received awards from the Sears Foundation, the Glitz Family Prize and many other citations including a day of recognition by proclamation of the City Council in Geneva, New York. Recently, Congressman Vito Fossella and the Staten Island Civic Association both cited him for public service on Staten Island. He served on the National Board of Directors of the American Association of Colleges and Universities,The Board of Trustees of the Independent Colleges Fund of New York and he is co-chair of New York State Campus Compact. He is a Fellow of the Society for Values in Higher Education (SVHE) and a PEW Foundation Fellow with the Washington Center for Learning in building natural leadership in Learning Communities. He is a member of the faculty for the Asheville Institute and an Advising Board Member for the Models for Democracy Project of SVHE. Dr. Guarasci recently authored ‘Developing the Democratic Arts” in About Campus (Feb. 2001) and “On Becoming the Good College: Lessons Learned” in Liberal Education. Dr. Guarasci holds a Bachelor of Science from Fordham University. He received his M.A. in Economics and Ph.D. in Political Science from Indiana University.


Walter Hameline Director of Athletics / Head Football Coach Entering his 32nd year, the relentlessly energetic and optimistic Walt Hameline continues to amass an astounding record of achievement and consistency. On Nov. 6, 2010, Hameline became just the eighth active Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) coach to win 200 games with a 31-20 victory over Monmouth and ranks 66th (tied) on the all-time NCAA wins list (any level). He is one of just 36 coaches to win 200 games at one school and enters the 2012 season with an overall record of 204-122-2 (.624) over his 31-year head coaching career at Wagner. Hameline has enjoyed a long and proud association with metropolitan area basketball and the NIT. For more than two decades, he was one of five metro area athletic directors, along with his peers at NYU, Fordham, Manhattan and St. John’s, who helped comprise the Metropolitan Intercollegiate Basketball Association (MIBA). Along with NIT Executive Director Jack Powers and the sitting ECAC Commissioner. MIBA, of which Hameline was a past president, selected teams for both pre-season and post-season NIT’s while directing other functions such as the annual NIT All-Star Summer Tour. While his coaching success is immense, Hameline has been equally effective as an administrator. Under Hameline’s leadership, the Seahawk athletic department has undergone an ambitious expansion in both sport offerings and facility improvements. Hameline was influential in establishing the Seahawk Golf Classic, and the Seahawk Club, a pair of initiatives aimed at increasing funds for the scholarship endowment and complete financial support for the athletic department. Most recently, under Hameline’s leadership and thanks to the generosity of one of his former offensive lineman, Marc Lebovitz, Wagner College Stadium was the beneficiary of a striking state-of-the-art video scoreboard in 2010. Lebovitz, a member of the Seahawks’ 1987 Division III National Championship football team and a 1991 Wagner graduate, is now a highly-successful New Jersey businessman. The scoreboard represents a major facility upgrade for the Seahawk football program, while also benefiting the women’s soccer, men’s lacrosse, women’s lacrosse, and men’s and women’s track and field programs who share Wagner College Stadium. Hameline’s overall coaching ledger includes five ECAC Championships, three NCAA Tournament appearances and the 1987 NCAA Division III National Championship — all told, 10 post-season appearances in 29 seasons. Hameline won his 175th career game - all at Wagner with a come-from-behind victory over St. Francis (PA) in the 2005 season finale. He became the winningest coach in Wagner College history in 1990. The highlight, of course, is the 19-3 win over heavily-favored Dayton in the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl for the 1987 NCAA Division III National Championship. Against one of the toughest schedules in the nation, Hameline’s Seahawks rolled to a 13-1 record, winning more games than any college football team in America. The team earned the school’s second Lambert Trophy, symbolic of football superiority in the East among Division III schools, and ECAC Team of the Year recognition. Following the season, in addition to Sports Illustrated writing a feature story, a host of national and regional organizations recognized Hameline, highlighted by his being named the Chevrolet National Coach of the Year. The 60-year old administrator has been a key developer of the NEC, serving on numerous committees, and is a past president of the league. Nine years ago, Hameline was honored for his playing, coaching and administrative achievements when he was inducted into the Utica Sports Hall of Fame. In addition, Hameline was given the All-America Football Foundation Johnny Vaught Lifetime Achievement Award in 1998. An outstanding defensive back at Brockport State, Hameline received his Bachelor of Science degree in physical education in 1975, and went on to earn his Master’s Degree in education from the University of Albany in 1977. Hameline resides in Colts Neck, NJ, with his wife, Debi, and they are the proud parents of daughters Kristen and Kelly.


Wagner College Swimming & Diving

Brendan Fahey Associate AD/ Business Manager

Peg Hefferan

Associate AD/ Senior Women’s Administrator

Bill Dowd

Academic Resource Coordinator

Kevin Ross Assistant Director of Media Relations

Media Relations Assistant

Joe Abruzzo

12

D’Mya Clay

Assistant for Academics & Compliance

Miles McQuiggan

Assistant AD/ Head Athletic Trainer

Jim Gibbons

Assistant AD for Academics & Compliance

Whitney Jones

Ticket Manager/ Marketing Coordinator

Gabe Gilson

Media Relations / Marketing Assistant

Javier Jimenez

Associate Athletic Trainer

John Beisser

Assistant AD of Media Relations

Juliana Formica Marketing Assistant

Ed Arnold

Director for Facilities & Operations

Gerald Charles Assistant Athletic Trainer

Mike Miller

Assistant AD for Marketing & Promotions

Sierra Achin

Director of Business & Finance

Franziska Blum

Coordinator of Business & Finance

Danielle Parenteau Roger Ricketts Manager of Operations

Laura Cobb

Assistant Athletic Trainer

wagnerathletics.com

Assistant for Facilities & Operations

Kevin Sze

Assistant Athletic Trainer


Wagner College Swimming & Diving Fall Sports

Walt Hameline Head Coach Football

Mike Minielli

Joe Stasi

Head Coach Women’s Soccer

Head Coach Men’s & Women’s X-C Indoor & Outdoor Track & Field

Winter Sports

Colin Shannahan

Bashir Mason

Megan Marco

Head Coach Men’s Basketball

Head Coach Diving

Head Coach Swimming

Lisa Cermignano

Head Coach Women’s Basketball

Spring Sports

Jim Carone

Glen Payne

Matt Poskay

Head Coach Softball

Head Coach Baseball

Emily Milhalik Head Coach Dance Team

Head Coach Men’s Lacrosse

Chris Radmonovich Head Coach Water Polo

Cristina Curiale Head Coach Women’s Lacrosse

Chris Fourman

Head Coach Men’s & Women’s Golf

wagnerathletics.com

13


From Points South Mid Atlantic States and Southern New Jersey: Take the New Jersey Turnpike north to Exit 10 (Outerbridge Crossing). After crossing the bridge, take Route 440 North (West Shore Expressway) for approximately 6 miles to I-278 East (Staten Island Expressway). Take I-278 East for approximately 5 miles, following signs to the Verrazano Narrows Bridge and Brooklyn. Take Exit 13 (Clove Road/Richmond Road/ Hyland Boulevard). At the first traffic light, turn left onto Clove Road. At the second light on Clove Road, turn right onto Howard Avenue. A sign for the College is visible at this intersection. Follow Howard Avenue to the top of Grymes Hill.

By plane/train/public transportation Plane: Three major airports serve New York City. Wagner College is most easily accessed from Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, though LaGuardia and JFK Airports are within reasonable travel distance. Car service is available between Wagner College and all three airports for around $40-$50 each way.

Southern New Jersey Shore: Take the Garden State Parkway north to Exit 127 (Outerbridge Crossing/Staten Island). Follow directions from Outerbridge Crossing provided above.

From points north and east New England (via New York) and Long Island: Take either the Belt Parkway or the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway to the Verrazano Bridge onto Staten Island; remain on I-278 West. Take Exit 13 (Clove Road/Richmond Road). Follow the service road to the third traffic light and turn right onto Clove Road. Take the first right onto Howard Avenue and proceed to the top of Grymes Hill.

Train: Amtrak, Long Island Railroad and New Jersey Transit trains arrive at Penn Station in Manhattan at 34th Street and 7th Avenue. Wagner College can be reached from Manhattan by taking the Staten Island Ferry, leaving at regular intervals throughout the day from the ferry terminal in lower Manhattan. From Penn Station, take either a cab or the New York City Subway (IRT Downtown #1 or #9 train to South Ferry; IRT #4 or #5 train to Bowling Green; IRT N or R to Whitehall Station) to the Battery Park Ferry Terminal. Take the Staten Island Ferry (no fare) to Staten Island. From the ferry terminal on Staten Island, the College is a short ride via car service, which can be picked up at the terminal.

New England (via New Jersey): Take I-95 South. Cross the George Washington Bridge into New Jersey. Follow signs to the New Jersey Turnpike. Follow the Turnpike to Exit 13 (Goethals Bridge). Cross the Goethals Bridge onto Staten Island and follow I-278 East. Follow directions from I-278 East provided above. Northern New Jersey: Take the New Jersey Turnpike to either Exit 13 (Goethals Bridge) from northern New Jersey, or Exit 10 (Outerbridge Crossing) from southern/central New Jersey. Follow directions provided above from the Goethals Bridge or Outerbridge Crossing.

The Staten Island Ferry is run by the City of New York for one pragmatic reason: To transport Staten Islanders to and from Manhattan. Yet, the 5 mile, 25 minute ride also provides a majestic view of New York Harbor and a no-hassle, even romantic, boat ride, for free! One guide book calls it “ One of the worlds greatest (and shortest) water voyages.� For a complete ferry schedule visit www.siferry.com

wagnerathletics.com


Wagner College Swimming & Diving About the Northeast Conference Northeast Conference History The Northeast Conference (NEC) heads into its 32nd year as an NCAA Division I athletic conference in 2012-13 with great anticipation and high expectations. Under the leadership of Noreen Morris, the NEC will set in motion a number of key initiatives as part of its new Strategic Plan to usher in a new era of growth and achievement in the Conference. The NEC and its member institutions are committed to providing opportunities for student-athletes to achieve their fullest potential both in athletic competition and in the classroom. Likewise, the Conference continually strives to be an NCAA Division I leader for student-athlete achievement, academic excellence, integrity, sportsmanship, equity and diversity, community partnership and national engagement. When the Northeast Conference (NEC) was first established as the ECAC-Metro Conference back in 1981, the league’s founders had one goal in mind: to create a competitive NCAA Division I men’s basketball conference for unaffiliated schools on the Eastern seaboard. A single-sport entity at its inception, the NEC has grown far beyond expectations over the past three decades, having transformed itself into a burgeoning 12-member, 23-sport conference. The remarkable success story of the conference began to unfold in 1985, when the league began sponsoring additional sports. Three years later, a change of name was in order and the Northeast Conference as we know it today was born. With membership and sport sponsorship continuing to grow over the years, the NEC now enjoys qualification or play-in access to 15 different NCAA Championships (baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, field hockey, football, men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s lacrosse, men’s and women’s soccer, softball, men’s and women’s tennis and women’s volleyball). Though the NEC has featured various incarnations since its inception, charter members Fairleigh Dickinson, LIU Brooklyn, Robert Morris, St. Francis (NY), Saint Francis (PA) and Wagner remain part of the current 12-school alignment. They are joined by Monmouth (admitted in 1985), Mount St. Mary’s (1989), Central Connecticut State (1997), Quinnipiac (1998), Sacred Heart (1999) and Bryant (2012), now an official member of the Conference following a five-year NCAA reclassification. The NEC’s six-state geographic footprint includes access to such major media markets as New York City, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Hartford and Providence. NEC member institutions now compete in 23 championship sports: baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, women’s bowling, men’s and women’s cross country, field hockey , football, men’s and

wagnerathletics.com

15


Wagner College Swimming & Diving women’s golf, men’s and women’s indoor track and field, men’s and women’s lacrosse, men’s and women’s outdoor track and field, men’s and women’s soccer, softball, women’s swimming, men’s and women’s tennis, and women’s volleyball. NEC New Media/Television The NEC has embraced new media to convey its message to a growing fan base. With the support of league Presidents and administrators, the Conference will launch NEC Front Row and a companion mobile app at the start of the 2012-13 season. The multimedia initiative will serve as a vehicle for the NEC to present a unified, branded message, while at the same time showcasing three key components of University life at each member institution: athletics, academics and work in the community. Every NEC basketball and football game, a slate of NEC championships and hundreds of other live events will air at no charge on the Front Row portal. Each institution will have its own co-branded page on the site, where fans will be able to access live events, highlights, coaches shows and other on-demand content. The Conference has attracted a loyal following in recent years on its Twitter, Facebook and YouTube pages, and the NEC Overtime! blog continues to grow in popularity. The NEC relaunched its official website in 2011-12 with a brand new interface and slew of new components. The league also provides its fans with weekly NEC Notebook spots (that also air on Sports Radio 66 WFAN in New York City and SportsRadio 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh) during football and basketball season. Over the last five years, the NEC has regionally televised over 125 basketball and football games, as the league’s coverage area has expanded to over 50 million homes. Along with flagship station MSG Network, other regional television partners include Root Sports-Pittsburgh, MASN and Cox Sports. The NEC has also partnered with ESPNU, ESPN3 and Fox College Sports to bring games to a national audience. In 2012, ESPN2 broadcast the NEC men’s basketball championship game for the 25th straight year, while ESPNU carried the women’s championship for the fifth year in a row. Academic Success The Northeast Conference’s commitment to academic excellence led to national recognition for both individual student-athletes and the league’s member institutions as a whole in 2011-12. Overall, the NEC’s 4,800+ student-athletes averaged a record-high 3.163 GPA for the 2011-12 academic year and 11 of the league’s 12 core member institutions finished with at least a 3.0 GPA. More than half of the league’s student-athletes were named to the NEC Academic Honor Roll and a record 561 earned a spot on the Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll with GPAs of 3.75 or higher. Likewise, three NEC student-athletes were tabbed Capital One Academic All-Americans. Additionally, the NCAA honored 40 NEC teams with public recognition awards for exceptional academic performance with respect to their latest Academic Progress Rate scores. The 40 teams earning Public Recognition established a new league record. NEC institutions also ranked among the nation’s elite in Graduation Success Rate (GSR) figures released by the NCAA with 50 teams achieving a perfect 100 percent GSR in their respective sports and over 40 percent earning a GSR of over 90 percent. Student-athletes at Robert Morris posted an NEC all-time high 3.28 GPA to win the 2011-12 NEC Institutional Academic Award. Athletic Achievement The NEC sent representatives to NCAA Championship events in 14 different team sports in 2011-12,

16

wagnerathletics.com


Wagner College Swimming & Diving while NEC student-athletes individually qualified to compete for an NCAA title in men’s golf, men’s indoor and outdoor track and field, and women’s indoor track and field. Individually, 13 NEC studentathletes earned All-America honors in their respective sports. For the first time ever, the NEC sported three men’s basketball teams (LIU, Robert Morris and Wagner) with 25+ wins, and for the second time in league history sent three teams to the postseason. Top-seeded LIU Brooklyn won its second straight NEC men’s basketball title with an 90-73 win over Robert Morris before a sellout crowd at the WRAC and nationwide audience on ESPN2. The Blackbirds have now won a league-record 52 games over the last two seasons and have posted a remarkable 32-4 record in NEC play over that span. NEC women’s basketball reached an all-time high with a conference RPI ranking of 15 and also sent three teams to the postseason. Sacred Heart won its third NEC women’s basketball championship in the last seven years with a 58-48 triumph over Monmouth. The Pioneers have now posted at least 18 victories and won at least 12 NEC games in each of the last 11 seasons. Two-time NCAA women’s bowling champion Fairleigh Dickinson nearly added a third title to its trophy case, coming up just short against UMES in the national championship match. FDU has now advanced to the national semifinals eight times in the last ten years. FDU was joined in the NCAA field by NEC champion Sacred Heart. In just its fourth year sponsoring the sport, the NEC featured an incredible nine teams ranked in the top-20 of the NTCA poll during the 2011-12 season. NEC women’s bowling produced four NTCA All-Americans, led by FDU’s Danielle McEwan, the NTCA Division I Bowler of the Year. She was joined by teammate Joely Carrillo, and Sacred Heart’s Jackie Carbonetto (first team) and Nicole Trudell. The NEC continued to earn national acclaim in men’s soccer. Monmouth ranked as high as 18th in the country in the NSCAA Top-25 poll, won its seventh consecutive NEC regular season title and third straight NEC Tournament crown. Behind NSCAA All-American RJ Allen, the Hawks slipped past visiting Stony Brook in penalty kicks to advance to the second round of the NCAA Tournament for the second time in school history. Albany football ranked 23rd in the final FCS Coaches’ poll and finished just out of the top-25 in the final Sports Network poll. The Great Danes, who claimed the NEC’s automatic bid to the FCS playoffs after sharing the regular season title with Duquesne, came up just short against Stony Brook in a thrilling NCAA first round matchup. Bryant running back Jordan Brown, Monmouth defensive back Jose Gumbs and Duquesne safety Serge Kona were all named FCS All-Americans. Brown, the leading rusher in the nation, was also a finalist for the Walter Payton award, which recognizes the top FCS running back in the country. The Quinnipiac women’s cross country program maintained its dominance with a seventh straight NEC championship last fall. It marks the longest active title streak in the conference and is tied for the longest streak in league annals (Mount St. Mary’s women’s tennis, 1989-95). Monmouth earned a sweep at the NEC outdoor track & field championships for the fourth consecutive year and sixth time in school history, while CCSU men’s cross country and Saint Francis (PA) women’s swimming have won three NEC titles in a row.

wagnerathletics.com

17


Wagner College Swimming & Diving In just its second year as a sponsored NEC sport, men’s lacrosse began to make noise on the national scene. NEC tournament champion Bryant and NEC regular season champion Robert Morris were both nationally ranked, and Colonial standout Kiel Matisz was named a USILA third team All-American. Chosen in the supplemental first round by the Boston Red Sox, Monmouth righthander Pat Light became the highest MLB Draft pick in league history. Light, with a fastball in the mid-90s, was taken with the 37th pick overall. He was also tabbed to the Collegiate Baseball/Louisville Slugger All-America third team. LIU Brooklyn’s Jessie Gaines (triple jump), CCSU’s Aaron Radden (200 meters) and Sacred Heart’s Bertony Jean-Louis (60 meter hurdles) were all named USTFCCCA second team All-Americans for their performances at the NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships. The Mount’s Tom FitzSimons (decathlon) earned second team All-American status at the outdoor meet. The NEC announced its second Hall of Fame class last December. The three-member class featured longtime FDU men’s basketball coach Tom Green, former Saint Francis (PA) women’s basketball standout Beth Swink and two-time NEC Men’s Basketball Player of the Year Rik Smits. Sacred Heart took home its fifth straight Brenda Weare Commissioner’s Cup, tying UMBC’s record for most consecutive Cup wins. The Pioneers also claimed a sixth straight Joan Martin Women’s Commissioner’s Cup. Monmouth won the Men’s Cup for the 11th time in the last 15 years. On Campus/Commitment to Sportsmanship/In The Community The NEC welcomed the class of 2015 to campus last fall as part of its annual outreach program designed to raise awareness of the league and its member institutions. Over 10,000 freshman students were introduced to the Conference with a promotional gift bag and informative NEC Fan Guide. The NEC continued its participation in the NCAA’s Respect Campaign, an effort to promote an environment of respect and integrity at Conference events. The NEC Team Sportsmanship Award program recognized those teams and student-athletes who adhere to the principles of sportsmanship and pursue victory with honor. Saint Francis (PA) finished the year with a league-high five NEC Team Sportsmanship awards. The Red Flash have led the NEC in sportsmanship honors in each of the four years since the program was instituted in 2008-09. The NEC, its member institutions and student-athletes have made community involvement an important piece of its mission. In 2011-12, the NEC Student-Athlete Advisory Committee made its annual visit to the Cancer Recovery Foundation in Hershey, PA. The SAAC also participated in a “Penny Wars” fundraiser for a third straight year that resulted in a significant donation to the Foundation. To assist in raising breast cancer awareness, NEC women’s volleyball teams supported “Dig Pink” and women’s basketball teams participated in the WBCA’s “Pink Zone” promotion. For the second straight year, Sacred Heart was awarded the NEC Building Communities award. The award recognizes the institution which demonstrates the highest dedication to making an impact in the community through the efforts of its student-athletes, coaches and administrators.

18

wagnerathletics.com


Wagner College Swimming & Diving Over the course of the 2011-12 academic year, Sacred Heart donated 6,625 hours of community service. In total, Conference members logged over 26,000 hours of community service. Evolving and Expanding In recent years, the NEC has taken aim at elevating the brand awareness of the league, elevating the caliber of its championship events and enhancing the opportunities and experiences for student-athletes that compete in the Conference. The NEC has raised its commitment to basketball through a host of strategic initiatives. most notably via a Brand and Basketball Enhancement fund, revised scheduling parameters and the implementation of LED signage at all arenas beginning in Fall ‘12. The NEC has also provided each institution with a basketball marketing grant in an effort to enhance attendance growth on a leaguewide basis. Through the launch of NEC Front Row, the Conference has set its signs on maximizing exposure of league institutions and sports, and improving the in-game fan experience with a host of social media tie-ins. Northeast Conference Members School Nickname Location Bryant Bulldogs Smithfield, RI Central Connecticut Blue Devils New Britain, CT Fairleigh Dickinson Knights Teaneck, NJ LIU Brooklyn Blackbirds Brooklyn, NY Monmouth Hawks West Long Branch, NJ Mount St. Mary’s Mountaineers Emmitsburg, MD Quinnipiac Bobcats Hamden, CT Robert Morris Colonials Moon Township, PA Sacred Heart Pioneers Fairfield, CT St. Francis (NY) Terriers Brooklyn Heights, NY Saint Francis (PA) Red Flash Loretto, PA Wagner Seahawks Staten Island, NY

Website bryantbulldogs.com ccsubluedevils.com fduknights.com liuathletics.com gomuhawks.com mountathletics.com quinnipiacbobcats.com rmucolonials.com sacredheartpioneers.com sfcathletics.com sfuathletics.com wagnerathletics.com

wagnerathletics.com

19


Wagner College Swimming & Diving

Colin Shannahan Head Coach Second Season Columbia, 2002

Entering his second season at Wagner, Shannahan looks to improve upon a first season on Grymes Hill in which the Seahawks won seven dual meets, the highest total for the program since the 2006-2007 season. Shannahan’s first campaign also saw the Green & White set six school records. In the 2012-2013 season, Shannahan is poised to lead Wagner to new heights, with a nationally-ranked recruiting class joining an established roster in the pool. Shannahan comes to Staten Island after a successful eight-year tenure at the University of Rhode Island. In his last two seasons as a full-time coach, he helped coach the team to 20 varsity records and had a three-time NCAA qualifier. In addition to his coaching responsibilities the last two years, Shannahan was also the programs recruiting coordinator, recently bringing in 19 talented swimmers to the URI program forming the largest recruiting class in four years. “We’re excited to have Colin on board as our swimming & diving coach,” said Athletic Director Walt Hameline. “His knowledge of the sport as a standout Division I swimmer and his work with an extremely competitive team at Rhode Island makes him a valuable asset to our already strong squad. Colin also brings a great deal of experience on the recruiting trail, which should protect the longevity of our storied program.” A 2002 graduate of Columbia University, Shannahan was a four year letterwinner with the Lions where he held the school record in the 200 freestyle relay, and was named team captain as a junior and senior. The Lincoln, RI, native was a three-time all-state swimmer at Lincoln High School, where he won the 200 and 500 freestyle titles in both his junior and senior years with the Lions. His record times stayed intact for 10 years until the dawn of the tech suit era.

20

wagnerathletics.com


Wagner College Swimming & Diving

Laura De Gore

Assistant Coach Second Season Southern Connecticut, 2011 De Gore is entering her second year as the assistant swimming coach for the Seahawks. De Gore joins Wagner after graduating from Southern Connecticut State University in 2011 where she earned her degree in History. A three-year member of the Owls swim team, De Gore received scholar athlete and academic All-American honors. De Gore has coached 50-person teams in Long Island, as well as maintained a position at the Hamden, CT, YMCA as the Head Age Group Swim Coach. In the summer of 2010, De Gore took on a counselor role at the University of Southern California swim camp, where she worked alongside Olympic head coach Dave Salo. In the past year, De Gore has worked at Auburn University’s swim camp, and assisted in Wagner’s top 100 recruiting class that is entering in the fall of 2012.

Meg Marco Diving Coach First Season Penn State, 2011

Marco joins the Wagner women’s swimming & diving staff for the 20122013 season as the program’s diving coach. Marco joins the Seahawks after a four-year career at Penn State as a member of the women’s swimming and diving program. While with the Nittany Lions, Marco was honored in both her junior and senior seasons with the Robert E. Galbraith Award for the single most outstanding performance during the diving season. In addition, she was named to the Academic All-Big Ten team in her sophomore, junior, and senior campaigns, and was given the Big Ten Distinguished Scholar Award as a senior. In addition to her time as a student-athlete, Marco worked as a diving coach for multiple programs on Penn State’s campus. Following graduation, she was a marketing and promotions intern in Penn State’s athletic department.

wagnerathletics.com

21


Wagner College Swimming & Diving 2012-2013 Season Preview Optimism surrounds the 2012-13 Wagner College Swimming & Diving team as the Seahawks enter year two of the Colin Shannahan coaching era on Grymes Hill. Last season, the Green & White finished with a competitive 7-4 regular season record and a solid third-place finish in the Northeast Conference (NEC) Championships. In a thrilling finish to last year’s Championships, Saint Francis (PA) edged perennial NEC kingpin Central Connecticut with a late rally to win the NEC title by one point, 748-747. Wagner ended the four-day event with 552 points, narrowly staving off fourth-place Bryant which checked in with 547 points. The 2011-12 campaign marked Wagner’s fifth consecutive third-place showing in the NEC Championships. While a resume that reflects a level of consistency that many schools would be proud of, Shanahan and his squad thirst for more. “My goal every year is to win the NEC Championships and that will never change,” said Shannahan, a 2002 Columbia University graduate where he was a school record-holder in the freestyle before embarking on a successful eight-year tenure as a coach at the University of Rhode Island. “We want to swim, we just can’t wait to get in the pool and compete,” he added on the eve of the October 6 season opener at C.W. Post. “Our girls are very determined and our practices have been extremely competitive.” The Seahawks also have a penchant for being competitive in the classroom. In August, the Wagner swimming & diving team were honored by the College Swimming Coaches Association o f America (CSCAA) with Scholar AllAmerican status for the spring 2012 semester. The 3.54 grade point average accumulated for the spring 2012 semester placed Wagner in the top-10 among all Division I programs. “I am very happy to see our women recognized for all the sacrifices they make,” said Wagner Head Swimming & Diving Coach Colin Shannahan. “The balance between academics and Division I athletics is very challenging and our athletes do a wonderful job with it.” Serving her second season as assistant coach under Shannahan is Laura De Gore. The ever-enthusiastic De Gore arrived on Grymes Hill following her 2011 graduation from Southern Connecticut State University she received scholar athlete and academic All-American honors while a three-year member of the Owls swim team. To improve upon the program’s fifth consecutive third-place showing from a year ago, the Seahawks will have to fill the void left by the graduation of Breanne Sweeney , a versatile performer who consistently earned points throughout her career in the back-stroke, butterfly, freestyle and individual medley. In addition to Sweeney, the Green & White will miss the depth that was supplied by four other Seahawks who graduated in Patricia Gavin (breaststroke/IM), Jakki Guenther (freestyle/IM), Mary Courtney Ryan (freestyle/backstroke) and Lauren Meyer (freestyle/backstroke). Serving as co-captains for the 2012-13 Seahawks are seniors Alanna Gibbons and Tatum Colitz, a pair of battle-tested competitors who boast both talent and experience. Both Gibbons and Colitz excel in the butterfly but yet versatile enough to earn points in a variety of events, including relay teams. Here is a position-by-position breakdown of the 2012-13 Seahawks: FREESTYLE Junior Sarah Menendez leads the way here as she is a veteran standout in the 50, 100 and 200 freestyle and is a naturally gifted swimmer who placed fourth in the 100 freestyle at the NEC Championships in March. Sophomore Samantha Sides is a tremendous relay sprinter who possesses an abundance of potential. One of the top freestylers on the team is junior Meredith Ketchmark, who excels at several middle distance events as well as freestyle. The school record-holder in the IM, the intensely-driven Ketchmark is regarded as a natural leader and teacher. Another promising freestyler is sophomore Lynn Tay, who will supply quality depth. Last season, Tay was a part of four 200-freestyle relay teams while in addition to copping a pair of first-place finishes in the 50-freestyle, vs. Bryant (10/15) and Rhode Island (1/21) respectively. The senior leader of the Seahawks’ freestyle contingent is Austyn Carolin, who serves as a true role model for her teammates through her level of leadership and commitment. As a junior last season, Carolin was a key component on Wagner’s second-place 200 freestyle relay team at Rutgers (11/4) and the third-place team at Columbia (1/3). Junior Megan DiBenedetto (Brooklyn, NY/ Bishop Kearney) is an inspirational leader with a tremendous work ethic who contributed to a pair of third-place 200 freestyle teams at Rutgers (11/4) and at Columbia (11/3). Looking to make an impact early in her career is freshman Corinne Rondina.

22

wagnerathletics.com


Wagner College Swimming & Diving DISTANCE The core of Wagner’s distance swimmers are the junior tandem of Alexandria Cooney and Kristiana Kalibat. Cooney had several highlights last season, led by her claiming three first-place honors at Mount St. Mary’s (10/22) (50 freestyle, 100 freestyle 800 freestyle) as well as winning the 500 freestyle at Rutgers (11/4). Kalibat won the 1000 freestyle at Rhode Island in addition to being a part of several winning freestyle relay teams and placing sixth in the 1650 freestyle at the NEC Championships. Freshman Maggie Shaw is expected to bolster an already productive distance unit. BACKSTROKE Sweeney’s talent and experience will definitely be missed but Shannahan is confident that he has a group of talented backstrokers waiting in the wings. Sophomores Sides and Morgan Stoner are both capable and versatile and will be counted on to supply major points for the Green & White throughout the season. Kalibut is another versatile winner who is being expected to play a key role in the backstroke. The Seahawks are also expecting big things from a quartet of highly-decorated freshmen in Kara Lacoste, Erin Malone, Meghan Mendez and Kaitlin Murtha. BREASTSTROKE Junior Kelsey Thomas is a tried and true veteran who will look to build on the success she enjoyed in a sophomore campaign that she capped with a fifth-place finish in the 200 breaststroke at the NEC Championships. She also won the 200 breaststroke at Rutgers (11/4) and the 100 breaststroke at Bryant (10/15). Junior Kristen Lee finished second in the 100 breaststroke at the ECAC Championship while taking top-three finishes in several other breaststroke and relay teams. Lacoste is a versatile athlete who proved herself as a championship-caliber performer in the breaststroke during her high school career. BUTTERFLY Seniors co-captains Gibbons and Colitz are familiar names within NEC swimming circles and will be looking to end their respective careers with a flourish in 2012-13. Both have well-earned reputations as team leaders and Shannahan is counting on them to not only ring up points in the pool but to help foster a unified, winning atmosphere throughout the program with the many positive intangibles they bring to the table. Supplying depth and talent to the butterfly unit will be a freshmen duo comprised of Malone and Amanda Lucia (Easthampton, MA. Easthampton). INDIVIDUAL MEDLEY This unit will be fortified by a host of talented veterans in Stoner, Thomas, Kristen Lee and Colitz as well as senior Dana Samuel. In 2011-12, Samuel was a part of the second-place 200 freestyle team at Rutgers (11/4) as well as third-place 200 freestyle finishing teams at Columbia (11/3) and Central Connecticut (1/28). These battletested swimmers will be pushed by a group of four freshmen looking to make big impacts this season in Lucia, Lacoste, Malone and Murtha. DIVING TEAM Wagner begins third season of diving under the direction of first-year head coach Meg Marco, who joins the Seahawks following a prolific four-year career as a member of the at Penn State women’s swimming and diving program. While with the Nittany Lions, Marco was honored in both her junior and senior seasons with the Robert E. Galbraith Award for the single most outstanding performance during the diving season. In addition, she was named to the Academic All-Big Ten team in her sophomore, junior, and senior campaigns, and earned the prestigious Big Ten Distinguished Scholar Award as a senior. Wagner boasts one of the NEC’s top diving talents in sophomore Mallory Lee (Newark, CA / Moreau Catholic) who narrowly missed out on her first individual championship crown on the three meter board at the NEC Championships. . Lee set a school record in one-meter diving, scoring 223.50 while taking first-place honors at Bryant. Seniors Kelly Edmonds and Josephine Ieraci are experienced leads who provide a foundation for the Seahawk diving team. Junior Sam Alder and freshman Erica Curry will provide important depth throughout the 2012-13 campaign. RECRUITING CLASS RECOGNITION While nothing can take the place of experience, Wagner’s swimming & diving fortunes appear to be on solid footing for the foreseeable future as CollegeSwimming.com recognized the Seahawks’ eight-person class among the top 100 in the nation. The eight members who comprise the class of 2016 are Curry, Lacoste, Lucia, Malone, Mendez, Murtha, Rondina and Shaw. “Our incoming class represents an outstanding and talented group of individuals, “They’ve proven themselves both in the pool and classroom. “I am very excited to be adding these eight athletes to our roster. We have a great depth of talent returning from last season and being able to add these freshmen will make us even better. ”

wagnerathletics.com

23


Wagner College Swimming & Diving

Austyn Carolin

Senior - Freestyle Hometown: Augusta, ME High School: Cony

Junior Season (2011-2012): Part of the second-place 200 freestyle

relay team at Rutgers (11/4) … Member of the third-place 200 freestyle relay team at Columbia (1/3).

Sophomore Season (2010-2011): Swam strong at the NEC Championships, competing in the 50,

100 and 200 freestyle events ... Led off the Seahawks 400 freestlye relay team against Iona (10/29), finishing fourth.

Freshman Season (2009-2010): Competed in her first collegiate dual meet at Mount St. Mary’s, fin-

ishing fourth in the 200 freestyle and fifth in the 100 ... At the NEC Championships, finished with times of 27.36 in the 50 yard freestyle, 59.03 in the 100 yard and 2:07.05 in the 200.

Before Wagner: Graduated from Cony High School in Augusta, ME, swimming three years of

varsity under the direction of Coach Millet … Was a part of the record setting 200 and 400 meter relay teams … Took third at the State Championships in the 200 meter relay … Garnered the “Coaches Award” as a sophomore ... Member of the National Honor Society … Also played varsity field hockey for four years.

Personal: Daughter of Dennis and Tracie Carolin … Has a brother, Colby … Majoring in Government and Politics.

Getting To Know Austyn...

Favorite Movie: Black Hawk Down Favorite Sports Team: Boston Bruins/Boston Celtics Favorite Book: Catcher in the Rye

24

wagnerathletics.com


Wagner College Swimming & Diving

Tatum Colitz

Senior - Sprints / Butterfly Hometown: Wyomissing, PA High School: Wilson Junior Season (2011-2012): Won the 200 butterfly against Bryant

(10/15), finishing in 2:16.97 … Part of a 400 freestyle relay team in a quad meet against Iona, St. Francis (NY) and Sacred Heart (10/29), winning in a time of 3:47.35 … Contributed to the 200 freestyle relay team that finished first at Rutgers (11/4), posting a time of 1:43.32 … Part of a 200 freestyle relay team that won at Columbia (1/3), finishing in a time of 1:42.28.

Sophomore Season (2010-2011): Was the Seahawks top performer in the 200 butterfly, earning

four points with a time of 2:14.06 and beating her time from last year’s NEC’s by over two seconds ... Finished second on the team in the 100 butterfly finals against New Hampshire (10/17).

Freshman Season (2009-2010): Concluded her first year as a Seahawk with a top-10 finish in the 100 butterfly at the NEC Championships ... Also garnered a 12th place time in the 200 butterfly and clocked a personal best time in the 50 freestyle at the Championships.

Before Wagner: Swam for Wilson High School in West Lawn, PA … Earned four varsity letters

under the direction of coach Bob Bright … Helped her team to four straight District 3 titles, four Central PA. Championships and four top five finishes at the P.I.A.A. Championships … Team captain as a senior … Awarded All-County, All-State and All American honors as a freshman and sophomore … District 3 and state qualifier all four years … Took second at the State Championship in the 200 freestyle relay (2007) ... Also played water polo.

Personal: Daughter of Joe and Laurie Colitz … has one sibling, J.J. ... Majoring in English ... Also a member of the Wagner water polo team.

Getting To Know Tatum...

Favorite TV Show: It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia Favorite Sports Team: Philadelphia Phillies Favorite Restaurant: Panera Bread Three Things I Have To Have On A Roadtrip: iPod, Phone, Dunkin Donuts Coffee One Superpower I Wish I Had: To Fly

wagnerathletics.com

25


Wagner College Swimming & Diving

Kelly Edmonds

Senior - Diving Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA High School: Louisiana State Univ. High Sophomore Season (2010-2011): Joined the team as a sophomore for

the inaugural season of diving ... Picked up 27 points for the Seahawks at the 2011 NEC Championships, scoring a 101.00 on the one meter board, before racking up a 108.40 on the three meter.

Before Wagner: Started competing in gymnastics at the age of five ... Was with Bengal Gymnastics

until the end of her sophomore year of high school ... Started to cheer for her school in sixth grade and joined a competition team a year later ... Moved to LA Athletics for a year ... Also a member of the Wagner cheerleading team.

Personal: Daughter of Todd and Barbee Edmonds ... Has two siblings, Burden and Tessie ... Majoring in Biopsychology.

Getting To Know Kelly...

Favorite Movie: The Notebook Favorite Sports Team: New Orleans Saints Three Things I Have To Have On A Roadtrip: Money, Phone, Pillow One Superpower I Wish I Had: To Fly Pre-Meet Ritual: Pray

26

wagnerathletics.com


Wagner College Swimming & Diving

Alanna Gibbons

Senior - Freestyle / Butterfly Hometown: Staten Island, NY High School: Staten Island Tech Junior Season (2011-2012): Won the 100 butterfly at Mount St. Mary’s (10/22) with a time of 1:08.09 … Took the 200 IM at Manhattan (11/11), finishing in a time of 2:18.90.

Sophomore Season (2010-2011): Finished sixth at the Northeast Conference Championships in the

100 butterfly with a time of (58.78), missing the podium by less than a second ... Snapped Bryant’s pool record in the 100 fly (1:00.57) when Wagner traveled to the Bulldogs in its season opener ... Took silver in the 100 butterfly against Iona (10/29).

Freshman Season (2009-2010): Currently holds two positions on the NEC top-16 list in the 100 and 200 butterfly ... Also is fifth on the NEC Championships result in the 100 butterfly ... Notched a fourthplace finish in the 100 butterfly at the conference championship meet ... Was also 11th in the 200 butterfly and first in the C final for the 200 IM at the NEC Championships.

Before Wagner: Swam for Staten Island Technical High School, earning four varsity letters un-

der coach Ann-Marie Boylan … Finished in the top-three in every one of her events at the PSAL City Championships … Qualified for the NYC PSAL State Team in 2006 and 2007 … Swam for Wagner Aquatics Club under Scott Bartleson where she qualified for Sectionals and the Long Course Super Sectionals … Also participated in track and field … Was a member of the National Honor Society and was a four-year Honor Roll honoree.

Personal: Daughter of Sean and Lori Gibbons … Has two sisters, Jenna and Courtney ... Majoring in Mathematics.

Getting To Know Alanna...

Favorite Movie: Friday Night Lights Favorite Book: The Last Lecture Favorite Sports Team: New Jersey Devils One Moment In History I Wish I Witnessed: Woodstock One Superpower I Wish I Had: To Fly

wagnerathletics.com

27


Wagner College Swimming & Diving

Josephine Ieraci

Senior - Diving Hometown: Staten Island, NY High School: Notre Dame Academy Junior Season (2011-2012): Finished fifth in both the one and three-meter at the NEC Championships … Finished third in the three-meter against Bryant (10/15) with a score of 126.82, and third in the three-meter with a score of 164.62.

Sophomore Season (2010-2011): Helped jumpstart the Seahawks diving program in its inaugu-

ral year ... Finished fourth in both the one and three meter diving events at the Northeast Conference Championships ... Set the bar for future divers with program-best scores of 158.50 on the one meter board and 160.35 on the three meter ... Named NEC Diver of the Week (1/25) after two silver medals at the University of Rhode Island.

Before Wagner: Competed for the Notre Dame Academy varsity team for three years … Was

named the team’s most improved and most dedicated swimmer … Earned a first place and third place finish at the Relay Carnival … Part of the Richmond County Club Swim and Dive Team for four years … captained the squad her senior season … Earned the coaches award and the most improved senior girl diver award in 2010 … Also ran cross country and indoor and outdoor track.

Personal: Has five siblings, Italia, Joseph, Peter, Gianni, and Angelina ... Majoring in Chemistry - PreDental.

Getting To Know Josephine...

Favorite Restaurant: Applebee’s Favorite Movie: She’s The Man Three Things I Have To Have On A Roadtrip: iPod! Favorite Class: Chemistry Desired Occupation: Dentist

28

wagnerathletics.com


Wagner College Swimming & Diving

Dana Samuel

Senior - Freestyle / IM Hometown: Rivonia, South Africa High School: Crawford Junior Season (2011-2012): Part of the second-place 200 freestyle relay

team at Rutgers (11/4) … Part of the third-place 200 freestyle relay team at Columbia (1/3) … Part of the third-place 200 freestyle relay team at Central Connecticut (1/28).

Sophomore Season (2010-2011): Finished fourth among Seahawk swimmers in the 1650 freestyle

event at the NEC Championships with a time of (18:27.14) ... Swam as Wagner’s lone representative in the 400 individual medley, finishing in a time of 4:48.02 in 11th place.

Freshman Season (2009-2010): Finished second on the team at Mount St. Mary’s in the 400 yard

freestyle with a time of 4:55.59 ... Led the Seahawks at the NEC Championships in the 500 yard free (5:17.53) and the 1650 free (18:14.96) ... Also competed in the 400 yard IM, swimming to a 4:48.74 time.

Before Wagner: Attended Crawford College in Johannesburg, South Africa … Competed in the

2008 South African Course National Swimming Championships (Johannesburg, South Africa) … Participated in the 2008 FINA Swimming World Cup (Durban, South Africa) … Raced in the 2009 Maccabiah Games (Israel) … Awarded the 2009 Maccabiah Silver Medal for her performance in the 4x100 meter freestyle relay … Earned two Bronze Medals at the games in the 4x200 meter freestyle and 4x100 meter medley relays … Swam for the Mandeville Dolphins and Hapoel Jerusalem club teams … Helped lead the Mandeville Dolphins to the Club Championships from 2007-2009 … Three-time Honor Roll member.

Personal: Daughter of Daniel and Tamar Samuel … Her father played for the Israel Institute of Technology Squash team … Has a younger sister, Shirelle … Majoring in Biology.

Getting To Know Dana...

Favorite TV Show: How I Met Your Mother / The Office Favorite Sports Team: Philadelphia Phillies Favorite Class: Biology Desired Occupation: Medical doctor

wagnerathletics.com

29


Wagner College Swimming & Diving

Samantha Alder

Junior - Diving Hometown: Rome, NY High School: Rome Free Academy

Before Wagner: Three-year letterwinner for Rome (NY) Free Academy

… Graduated with a 93.4 GPA … While at Rome, Alder also competed as a pole vaulter on the track and field team, and on the lacrosse team.

Personal: Born in Oneida, NY … Daughter of Robert and Sally Alder … Has one brother, Robert … Majoring in History/International Affairs.

30

wagnerathletics.com


Wagner College Swimming & Diving

Alexandra Cooney

Junior - Freestyle/Distance Hometown: Port Jervis, NY High School: Minisink Valley

Sophomore Season (2011-2012): Finished first in the 1000 freestyle

against Bryant (10/15) with a time of 10:38.67 … Won three events at Mount St. Mary’s (10/22), finishing the 800 freestyle in 9:31.63, the 50 freestyle in 28.39, and 100 freestyle in 1:00.74 … Captured two first-place finishes in a quad meet at Iona (10/29), posting a time of 10:40.89 in the 1000 freestyle and 5:16.60 in the 500 freestyle … Also part of a 400 freestyle relay team at Iona, winning in a time of 3:47.35 … Captured the 500 freestyle at Rutgers (11/4) in a time of 5:11.98 … Contributed to the 200 freestyle relay team that finished first at Rutgers (11/4), winning in a time of 1:43.32 … Took the 1650 freestyle at the ECAC Championship, finishing in 17:22.24 … Part of a 800 freestyle relay team that won at the ECAC Championship, posting a time of 7:40.82 … Won the 500 freestyle at Central Connecticut (1/28) in 5:13.80.

Freshman Season (2010-2011): Was the Seahawks’ top performer at the Northeast Conference

Championship meet, finishing fourth in the 500 freestyle (5:01.27) and the 1650 freestyle (17:19.11) ... Also earned seventh place points at the NEC’s in the 200 freestyle with a time of 1:54.31 ... part of Wagner’s record-setting 800 freestyle relay team ... Took third in the 500 free at New Hampshire (10/17).

Before Wagner: Swam four years with the Miniskin Valley Warriors under coach Leyla Johnson …

named the team’s Most Valuable Swimmer as a sophomore and senior … Holds four school records in various distances … Was the first swimmer from Minisink Valley to qualify for the New York State meet in eight years … Broke several team records with her Aqua Gems Swim Club team … Was also a member of the National Honor Society.

Personal: Daughter of James and Daniela Cooney … Has three brothers, Casey, Dylan and Hunter … Majoring in Business Administration.

Getting To Know Alexandra...

Favorite Movie: Despicable Me Favorite Book: To Kill a Mockingbird Favorite Restaurant: Panera Bread One Superpower I Wish I Had: To Fly Favorite Class: Physics

wagnerathletics.com

31


Wagner College Swimming & Diving

Megan DiBenedetto

Junior - Freestyle Hometown: Brooklyn, NY High School: Bishop Kearney

Sophomore Season (2011-2012): Part of the third-place 200 freestyle

relay team at Rutgers (11/4) … Helped Wagner’s 200 freestyle relay team at Columbia (1/3).

Freshman Season (2010-2011): Competed in the NEC Championships, taking on the 50, 100 and

200 freestyle events ... Finished seventh in both the 50 and 100 freestyle events in Wagner’s dual meet against Mount St. Mary’s ... Earned third place points in the 200 freestyle against Columbia with a time of 2:19.42.

Before Wagner: A four-year letterwinner for the Bishop Kearney high school swim team … Helped

her squad to four consecutive Top-5 team finishes in Class A … Earned the Wendy’s Heisman Award her senior year … Was also a member of the National Honor Society and finished with academic first honors, earning the President’s Education-Outstanding Academic Excellence award … Also named the U.S. Army Reserve Scholar-Athlete of the Year and was given the Coaches Award by her team … Was a member of the Tigers girls soccer team that won four straight State Championships.

Personal: Daughter of Carmelo and Madeline DiBenedetto … Has one brother, Vincent … Majoring in Nursing.

Getting To Know Megan...

Favorite Movie: My Cousin Vinny Favorite Sports Team: New York Yankees Three Things I Have To Have On A Roadtrip: Food, iPod, Pillow One Superpower I Wish I Had: Read minds Pre-Meet Ritual: Listen to music

32

wagnerathletics.com


Wagner College Swimming & Diving

Kristiana Kalibat Junior - Backstroke/Distance Hometown: Princeton, NJ High School: Princeton Sophomore Season (2011-2012): Part of Wagner’s winning 400 free-

style relay team in a quad meet against Iona, St. Francis (NY) and Sacred Heart (10/29), winning in a time of 3:47.35 … Part of a 800 freestyle relay team that won at the ECAC Championship, posting a time of 7:40.82 …Won the 1000 freestyle at Rhode Island (1/21) in a time of 10:43.05 ... Finished sixth in the 1650 freestyle at the Northeast Conference Championships in a time of 17:30.40.

Freshman Season (2010-2011): Had two sixth place finishes at her first Northeast Conference

Championship meet, taking the 500 freestlye with a time of 5:04.18 and the 1650 freestlye in 17:36.81 ... Earned points for her 12th place finish in the 200 freestyle (1:55.85) ... Earned a first place finish in her first collegiate event, taking gold in the 1000 freestyle in 10:45.05 vs. Bryant (10/16) ... Also took first in the 1000 free against Iona ... Part of Wagner’s record-setting 800 freestyle relay team.

Before Wagner: Swam for Princeton High School as a freshman, while earning Rookie of the Year

… Stopped swimming for PHS to concentrate on her Eastern Express Club Swim team ... Currently holds three all-time Top-10 records … Has been a member of the Community Park Blue Fish Swim team for several years … Attended numerous sectional and Grand Prix meets, including the St. Croix 5-mile ocean swim … Finished first in the Bermuda “Round the Sound” 7.25K open water swim.

Personal: Daughter of Peter and Rebecca Kalibat … has one sister, Natalie who is a diver for Blue Dolphin Diving, and one brother, Peter, who is a swimmer … Majoring in Biopsychology.

Getting To Know Kristiana...

Favorite Book: A Farewell to Arms Favorite Restaurant: Teresa’s Three Things I Have To Have On A Roadtrip: Starbucks, Music, Sour Patch Kids One Superpower I Wish I Had: Read minds Desired Occupation: Dentist

wagnerathletics.com

33


Wagner College Swimming & Diving

Meredith Ketchmark Junior - Freestyle/Mid-Distance Hometown: Plainsboro, NJ

High School: West Windsor-Plainsboro Sophomore Season (2011-2012): Finished fourth in the 200 IM at the

NEC Championships, posting a time of 2:07.09 ... Placed fifth in the 100 freestyle in a time of 51.97 … Won the 200 freestyle against Bryant (10/15), finishing in 1:56.69 … Part of a 200 medley relay team that won at Mount St. Mary’s (10/22), finishing in 2:05.32 … Placed first in the 200 freestyle at Mount St. Mary’s (10/22), posting a time of 2:11.78 … Contributed to a 400 medley relay team that won at a quad meet against Iona, St. Francis (NY) and Sacred Heart (10/29), winning in a time of 4:04.45 … Also won the 200 freestyle at the quad meet on 10/29, finishing in 1:58.60 … Took the 100 butterfly at Rutgers (11/4) in a time of 1:00.50 … Part of a 800 freestyle relay team that won at the ECAC Championship, posting a time of 7:40.82 … Also captured the 200 freestyle at the ECAC Championship, finishing in 1:52.91 … Won the 500 freestyle at Columbia (1/3) in a time of 5:18.21 … Finished first in the 100 freestyle at Rhode Island (1/21), posting a time of 54.05 … Took two events at Central Connecticut (1/28), winning the 100 freestyle in 53.59 and 200 freestyle in 1:55.53 … Also part of the winning 200 freestyle relay team at Central Connecticut, finishing in a time of 1:40.04.

Freshman Season (2010-2011): Finished fifth in her first Northeast Conference Championship meet event, wrapping up the 500 freestyle in 5:02.38 ... Also earned a fifth place finish in the 200 freestyle with a time of 1:54.04 ... Narrowly missed out on the podium in the 100 freestyle, finishing one second off the pace, earning sixth place points in 52.28 ... Anchored Wagner’s record-setting 800 freestyle relay team.

Before Wagner: Earned four varsity letters as a member of the Pirates swim team … Helped her

team to four consecutive CVC County Championship titles and two State titles in 2009 and 2010 … Individually won two county titles and broke the 200 freestyle school record in a time of 1:53.40 … qualified for individual states and placed in the top eight … Awarded the Most Valuable Swimmer award her senior year … Has been a member of the Hamilton Aquatic Club for the past nine years … has qualified for the YMCA Nationals the past four years ... Member of the National Honor Society and German National Honor Society … Awarded the World Language Department Award, with a 4.1 GPA.

Personal: Daughter of Timothy and Janis Ketchmark … Has two sisters, Jenna and Keri … Majoring in Anthropology.

Getting To Know Meredith...

Favorite Restaurant: Hot Wok Cafe Favorite TV Show: Friends Three Things I Have To Have On A Roadtrip: Food, iPod, Phone

34

wagnerathletics.com


Wagner College Swimming & Diving

Kristen Lee

Junior - Breaststroke/IM Hometown: Cherry Hill, NJ High School: Cherry Hill East Sophomore Season (2011-2012): Finished third in the 100 breaststroke

against Bryant (10/15) … Finished third in the 100 breaststroke at Mount St. Mary’s (10/22) … Part of the third-place 400 medley relay team in a quad meet at Iona (10/29) … Part of the third-place 200 freestyle relay team at Rutgers (11/4) … Finished second in the 100 breaststroke at the ECAC Championship, and third in the 200 breaststroke.

Freshman Season (2010-2011): Finished third on the team in the 200 IM at the Northeast Confer-

ence Championships, earning four points in a time of 2:12.60 ... Came in second on the team in the 100 breaststroke (1:09.04), picking up six points ... Made her first NEC championship heat in the 200 breaststroke, finishing in seventh place with a time of 2:27.59.

Before Wagner: Earned four varsity letters for the Cherry Hill East High School swim team …

Named the Cougars Most Valuable Player three times … Was a two-year high school All-American and Scholastic All-American, and was twice named to the All South Jersey team … Junior National qualified twice in the 100 and 200 yard breaststroke … Holds the 200 medley relay high school record and won the 2008 New Jersey State Championships in the 200 medley relay … Holds numerous Top-10 records at the Jersey Wahoos Swim Club and the Burlington County YMCA.

Personal: Daughter of Thomas and Kathy Lee … Has one brother, Matt, and one sister, Monica … Majoring in Biopsychology.

Getting To Know Kristen...

Favorite Movie: Sweet Home Alabama Favorite Sports Team: Philadelphia Flyers Three Things I Have To Have On A Roadtrip: Food, iPod, Phone One Superpower I Wish I Had: Read minds Desired Occupation: Nurce Practioner

wagnerathletics.com

35


Wagner College Swimming & Diving

Sarah Menendez

Junior - Sprint-Freestyle/Butterfly

Hometown: Land O’Lakes, FL High School: Wharton

Sophomore Season (2011-2012): Finished third in the 200 freestyle at

the Northeast Conference Championships in a time of 1:51.19 … Placed fourth in the 50 freestyle and 100 freestyle … Won the 100 freestyle against Bryant (10/15), finishing in 54.61 … Contributed to a 400 medley relay team that won at a quad meet against Iona, St. Francis (NY) and Sacred Heart (10/29), winning in a time of 4:04.45 … Also won the 100 freestyle in the quad meet at Iona, finishing in 54.70 … Part of a 800 freestyle relay team that won at the ECAC Championship, posting a time of 7:40.82 … Part of a 200 freestyle relay team that won at Columbia (1/3), finishing in a time of 1:42.28 … Part of the winning 200 freestyle relay team at Central Connecticut (1/28), finishing in a time of 1:40.04.

Freshman Season (2010-2011): Made an immediate impact in her first season with the Seahawks,

setting school records in the 50 freestyle (24.08), the 100 freestyle (51.61) and the 200 freestyle (1:51.65), and leading off the record breaking 800 freestyle relay team ... Led the Green & White at the Northeast Conference Championship meet in the 50 free, taking fifth place ... Named Third Team All-NEC in the 200 freestyle ... Missed out on the podium in the 100 freestyle by .38 seconds ... Finished first in the 200 butterfly against Iona (10/29).

Before Wagner: A four-year varsity swimmer for the Wharton Wildcats … Helped her team to

four consecutive Conference Championship titles from 2006-2009 and District Championships titles in 2008 and 2009 … Made two straight State Championship appearances her junior and senior seasons … Honored as the 2008 Big Cat Most Valuable Player … Named to the 2009-2010 All-County team and was named to the All-District team all four years with the Wildcats … Swam for the Aquatic Club of Temple Terrace, leading her team to the finals in the Junior Olympic Championships, the Senior Championships and the Speedo Sectional Championships.

Personal: Daughter of Manny and Loretta Menendez … has one younger brother, Matthew ... Majoring in Nursing.

Getting To Know Sarah...

Favorite Movie: Sweet Home Alabama Favorite Sports Team: Tampa Bay Rays Three Things I Have To Have On A Roadtrip: Food, Phone, Pillow One Superpower I Wish I Had: Read minds Desired Occupation: Nurse

36

wagnerathletics.com


Wagner College Swimming & Diving

Kelsey Thomas

Junior - Breaststroke/IM

Hometown: Hammonton, NJ High School: Holy Spirit Sophomore Season (2011-2012): Finished fifth in the 200 breaststroke

at the Northeast Conference Championships ... Won the 100 breaststroke against Bryant (10/15), finishing in 1:09.15 … Part of a 200 medley relay team that won at Mount St. Mary’s (10/22), posting a time of 2:05.32 … Captured the 100 backstroke at Mount St. Mary’s (10/22), finishing in 1:16.87 … Contributed to a 400 medley relay team that won at a quad meet against Iona, St. Francis (NY) and Sacred Heart (10/29), winning in a time of 4:04.45 … Won the 200 breaststroke at Rutgers (11/4), posting a time of 2:29.90.

Freshman Season (2010-2011): Played a key role in her first collegiate season ... finished first on

the team and seventh overall at the Northeast Conference Championship meet in the 200 IM ... led the Seahawks in the 100 breaststoke, picking up fifth place points in a time of 1:07.74 ... named Third Team All-NEC in the 200 breaststoke, finishing in 2:22.36 ... both championship meet breaststoke times set Wagner school records.

Before Wagner: Was a member of the Holy Spirit swimming team from 2007-2010 under the coaching of Mike Schaivo … holds eight school records and is in the top-5 in the record books in 11 events … a four-time All State Non-Public All Star, a four-time All South Jersey All Star and a four-time All Conference team member … helped her team to four consecutive South Jersey Championship titles … was a member of the 2007 State Championship team.

Personal: Daughter of Sean and Liz Thomas … has one brother, Sean, and one sister, Ali … Majoring in Sociology.

Getting To Know Kelsey...

Favorite Book: Tuesdays With Morrie Favorite Sports Team: New York Giants Favorite Restaurant: Angelo’s Three Things I Have To Have On A Roadtrip: Phone, make-up, iPod One Superpower I Wish I Had: To Fly

wagnerathletics.com

37


Wagner College Swimming & Diving

Mallory Lee

Sophomore - Diving

Hometown: Newark, CA High School: Moreau Catholic Freshman Season (2011-2012): Finished second in the three-meter at

the Northeast Conference Championships … Set a school record in onemeter diving, scoring 223.50 to win the one-meter against Bryant (10/15) … Took the three-meter with a score of 175.95 … Won the one-meter at Rhode Island (1/21) with a score of 196.57, and the three-meter, posting a score of 170.02. Finished second in both the one-meter and three-meter in a quad meet at Iona (10/29), scoring 185.20 in the one-meter and 169.10 in the three-meter … Finished second in the one-meter and three-meter at Central Connecticut (1/28).

Before Wagner: Spent three years on the Moreau Catholic diving team … Named a North Coast sectional qualifier all three years … Hayward Area Athletics league (HAAL) champion in 2010 and 2011 … Broke league records in 2011 with a score of 414 on an 11 dive … Swam for the Mariner’s her freshman year before becoming her school’s first diver.

Personal: Daughter of Brandon and Colleen Lee … Has two siblings, McKenzie and Morgan … Sister, McKenzie, is on the rowing team at the University of Oklahoma.

38

wagnerathletics.com


Wagner College Swimming & Diving

Sam Sides

Sophomore - Freestyle/Sprints

Hometown: Cherry Hill, NJ High School: Cherry Hill East Freshman Season (2011-2012): Won the 50 freestyle in a quad meet

against Iona, St. Francis (NY) and Sacred Heart (10/29), finishing in 25.32 … Part of a 400 freestyle relay team in a quad meet against Iona, St. Francis (NY) and Sacred Heart (10/29), winning in a time of 3:47.35 … Contributed to the 200 freestyle relay team that finished first at Rutgers (11/4), posting a time of 1:43.32 … Part of a 200 freestyle relay team that won at Columbia (1/3), finishing in a time of 1:42.28 … Part of the winning 200 freestyle relay team at Central Connecticut (1/28), finishing in a time of 1:40.04.

Before Wagner: Earned four varsity letters with the Cherry Hill varsity swim team … Has accumulated All-American, All-Conference, All-Olympic, All-South Jersey, and All-Courier Post awards during her four seasons … Named the Cougars MVP all four years … Team co-captain her senior season … Took 10th place at the 2010 YMCA Nationals in the 50 freestyle … Holds multiple records with the Willowdale Swim Club.

Personal: Daughter of David and Laurene Sides … Majoring in Nursing.

wagnerathletics.com

39


Wagner College Swimming & Diving

Morgan Stoner

Sophomore - Backstroke/Mid-Distance

Hometown: Greensburg, PA High School: Hempfield Area Freshman Season (2011-2012): Won the 200 breaststroke at Mount St.

Mary’s (10/22), posting a time of 2:52.84 … Finished first in the 200 IM in a quad meet against Iona, St. Francis (NY) and Sacred Heart (10/29), finishing in 2:16.13 … Captured the 200 IM at Rutgers (11/4), winning in 2:15.70 … Took the 200 IM at Columbia (1/3) in a time of 2:18.08.

Before Wagner: Part of three All American Relays (200 IM) with a time of 1:47.18 and 1:48.97 ... Consecutive years participation in WIPIALS, and states ... Made podium at WIPIALS eight times ... Holder of four Hempfield School Records (2 relay and 2 individual).

Personal: Daughter of Patrick and Vicki Stoner … Has two brothers, Patrick and Tyler.

40

wagnerathletics.com


Wagner College Swimming & Diving

Lynn Tay

Sophomore - Sprints Hometown: Elk Grove, CA High School: Bradshaw Christian Freshman Season (2011-2012): Won the 50 freestyle against Bryant

(10/15), finishing in 24.84 … Part of a 200 medley relay team that won at Mount St. Mary’s (10/22), posting a time of 2:05.32 … Contributed to the 200 freestyle relay team that finished first at Rutgers (11/4), winning in a time of 1:43.32 … Part of a 200 freestyle relay team that won at Columbia (1/3), finishing in a time of 1:42.28 … Won the 50 freestyle at Rhode Island (1/21) in a time of 25.42 … Part of the winning 200 freestyle relay team at Central Connecticut (1/28), finishing in a time of 1:40.04.

Before Wagner: Captained the Bradshaw Christian varsity swim team from 2008-2011 … Holds the varsity records in the 50 and 100 freestyle events … Named Golden Empire League MVP in 2009 and 2010 … was a sectional finalist all four years … Helped The Pride to back-to-back league championships in 2010 and 2011 … Named to the USA Swimming Scholastic All-America Team in 2010 and 2011.

Personal: Daughter of Alan and Cynthia Tay … Has two siblings, Ronney and Leslie … Majoring in Biology.

wagnerathletics.com

41


Wagner College Swimming & Diving

Erica Curry

Freshman - Diving Hometown: Fountain Valley, CA High School: Fountain Valley Before Wagner: Four-year letterwinner for Fountain

Valley (CA) High School … Named Team MVP all four years … Also competed for the McCormick Divers Club Team. … Has one sister, Haley.

Personal: Born in Long Beach, CA … Daughter of Mary and David Curry

Kara Lacoste

Freshman - Breaststoke/Backstroke/IM

Hometown: Chicopee, MA

High School: Chicopee Comprehensive Before Wagner: Swam for Chicopee Comprehensive High School in

Chicopee, MA, under coach Dayle Cushing … State champion in 100 yard backstroke as a senior … Western Massachusetts champion in 100 yard breaststroke in senior year … Western Massachusetts champion in 200 IM as a freshman … Placed seventh in 200 yard backstroke at the 2011 YMCA Long Course Nationals with a time of 2:23.10, and 12th in the 100 yard backstroke at 1:06.89 … Lacoste’s team from the Greater Holyoke YMCA finished third overall.

Personal: Daughter of Lynn and David Lacoste … Has one sibling, Kelsey … Planning to major in the Physician Assistant program.

42

wagnerathletics.com


Wagner College Swimming & Diving

Amanda Lucia

Freshman - Butterfly/IM Hometown: Easthampton, MA High School: Easthampton Before Wagner: Four-year letterwinner at Easthamp-

ton (MA) High School … Western Mass recordholder in 100 fly … Won Western Mass and Division 1 State Championships in senior year … Also swam for the Greater Holyoke YMCA Vikings National Team … Junior National qualifier and US Winter Senior National qualifier in 200 fly … Placed in the top-10 in the 200 fly at YMCA Nationals in 2011 and 2012.

Personal: Born in Northampton, MA … Daughter of Donna Link and Mark Lucia … Has one sibling, Tyler.

Erin Malone

Freshman - Butterfly/IM Hometown: Sewell, NJ High School: Washington Township Before Wagner: Swam at Washington Township (NJ) High School ...

Gloucester County 1 Fly Champion ... Three-time state qualifier ... Team MVP ... Four-time YMCA National qualifier.

Personal: Born in Princeton, NJ ... Daughter of Jeff and Patty Malone ... Has two brothers, William and Patrick, who both swim at Rowan University.

wagnerathletics.com

43


Wagner College Swimming & Diving

Meghan Mendez Freshman - Backstroke Hometown: Export, PA High School: PA Cyber Before Wagner: Four-year letterwinner at PA Cyber in Midland, PA …

Three-time All-American … Won the WPIAL 200 medley relay as a junior … Finished third in the 100 back at the WPIAL meet in her junior year … Placed third in the 200 medley relay at the PIAA meet in her junior year … Also swam for the JCC Sailfish.

Personal: Born in Monroeville, PA … Daughter of Robin and Bill Mendez … Has two siblings, Samantha and Benjamin.

Kaitlin Murtha

Freshman - Backstroke/IM Hometown: New Fairfield, CT High School: New Fairfield Before Wagner: Competed for New Fairfield (CT) High School and the

New Fairfield Aquaflyers club team ... All-State selection in 2010 and 2011.

Personal: Native of New Fairfield, CT ... Daughter of Kathleen and Francis Murtha ... Has one sister, Kellie.

44

wagnerathletics.com


Wagner College Swimming & Diving

Corinne Rondina

Freshman - Sprint/Freestyle Hometown: Staten Island, NY High School: Notre Dame Academy Before Wagner: Four-year letterwinner at Notre Dame Academy in

Staten Island, NY ... Undefeated in all four years of high school competition ... City champions all four years ... NYC Catholic Schools MVP and team MVP in 2010 and 2011 ... Three-time Staten Island Advance All-Star ... Team captain ... Also a one-year member of the golf team in high school.

Personal: Born in Staten Island, NY ... Daughter of Rick and Michele Rondina ... Father played base-

ball at Suffolk Community College and West Virginia University ... Has three sisters, Megan, Christine, and Rebecca.

Maggie Shaw

Freshman - Distance Hometown: Chantilly, VA High School: Chantilly Before Wagner: Four-year letterwinner at Chantilly (VA) High School

… Four-year state finalist ... Also swam for NVSL and the Greenbriar Swim Club.

Personal: Born in Chantilly, VA … Daughter of Susan and Scott Shaw … Has two siblings, David and Allison.

wagnerathletics.com

45


Wagner College Swimming & Diving 2011-2012 Results 10/15/2011

Bryant

Staten Island, NY

W

180-78

10/22/2011

Mount St. Mary's

Emmitsburg, MD

W

146-106

10/29/2011

Iona

New Rochelle, NY

W

159-84

10/29/2011

St. Francis (NY)

New Rochelle, NY

W

211-25

10/29/2011

Sacred Heart

New Rochelle, NY

W

186-53

11/4/2011

Rutgers

Piscataway, NJ

L

121-165

11/11/2011

Manhattan

Riverdale, NY

W

67-28

11/11/2011

Hunter

Riverdale, NY

W

84-11

12/2-4/2011

ECAC Open

East Meadow, NY

1/3/2012

Columbia

New York, NY

L

88-169

1/21/2012

Rhode Island

Staten Island, NY

L

145-155

1/28/2012

Central Connecticut

Staten Island, NY

L

113.5-184.5

2/22-25/2012

NEC Championship

Boston, MA

46

wagnerathletics.com

2nd of 13

3rd of 7


Wagner College Swimming & Diving

Top Times List Name Year Event Time Menendez ’12 50 Freestyle 23.95 Menendez ’11 100 Freestyle 51.61 Menendez ’12 200 Freestyle 1:51.19 Tomlinson ’09 500 Freestyle 4:58.91 Lees ’05 1000 Freestyle 10:14.72 Lees ’05 1650 Freestyle 16:56.48 Ketchmark ’12 200 IM 2:07.09 Rodriguez-Lapman ’07 400 IM 4:34.31 Hart ’09 100 Butterfly 54.07 Hart ’09 200 Butterfly 2:00.46 Sweeney ’12 100 Backstroke 58.15 Sweeney ’12 200 Backstroke 2:04.65 Thomas ’11 100 Breaststroke 1:06.74 Thomas ’11 200 Breaststroke 2:22.36 Guenther, Brown, Hart, Rodgers ‘09 200 Medley Relay 1:47.18 Guenther, Brown, Hart, French ’09 400 Medley Relay 3:51.70 Hart, Beck, Rodgers, French ’09 200 Freestyle Relay 1.35.98 Hart, Beck, Rodgers, French ‘09 400 Freestyle Relay 3:30.35 Menendez, Cooney, Kalibat, Ketchmark ’12 800 Freestyle Relay 7:35.06 Lee ’11 1 Meter Diving 223.50 Lee ’12 3 Meter Diving 244.10

wagnerathletics.com

47


Wagner College


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.