4/16/2009 4:26:09 PM
HAMILTON, N.Y. (4/16/09) – Daniel Sweeney (New Canaan, Conn.) headlines Colgate’s incoming men’s swimming and diving recruiting class, it was announced by Raider head coach Stephen Jungbluth, Thursday afternoon.
The standout will be joined by Nick Burkus (Weston, Mass.), Nicholas Pawlush (Hummelstown, Pa.), and Tyler Makepeace (Wallingford, Conn.) to form the Raiders’ recruiting class of 2009.
“I am excited to have such talented athletes joining us to bolster the men’s program next year,” said Jungbluth. “Combined with who we have returning, the team should be more competitive.”
Sweeney will bring an impressive swimming resume to Hamilton. A four-year letterman for Jason Paige at New Canaan High School, Sweeney is a four-time all-state, all-county, all-FCIAC selection and additionally garnered All-American accolades since his freshman season. Additionally, he was honored as a 2008 YMCA All-American as well. As a junior, Sweeney claimed the county titles in the 50 free, 100 IM, and 100 free and also met the U.S. Junior National qualifying standards for the 50 free and 100 fly. He either owns or shares five school records – 50 free, 100 fly, 200 medley relay, as well as the 200 and 400 free relays and is also part of the FCIAC record 200 free relay squad. Sweeney has posted career best times of 20.77 in the 50 free, 45.71 in the 100 free, 52.25 in the 100 back, 49.82 in the 100 fly, and 1:54.58 in the 200 fly. He also lettered one year each in baseball and in track and field. Sweeney will be one of five New Canaan High products on the Raiders’ roster next year joining Devon Healy, Trevor Healy, Costas Hadjipateras, and Doug Parks.
Pawlush is a four-year varsity letterman in swimming from Hershey High School under the direction of Greg Fastrich. He is a four-time all-conference, all-district and all-state selection. Pawlush participated at the 2008 NSCA Junior Nationals in the 100 and 200 free events and was a NISCA All-American in the 200 free as well as in three relays. He has recorded career best times of 22.25 in the 50 free, 47.55 in the 100 free, 1:42.69 in the 200 free, and 4:47.37 in the 500 free.
Burkus is a two-year diving letterman under the direction of Lori Waresmith at Weston High School. As a junior, he placed ninth at the Massachusetts Division II State Championships; 12th at the Dual County League Meet, and finished 14th at Sectionals. In addition, he garnered the Rookie of the Year Award in 2007. He is serving as a team captain this year for Weston. Burkus also lettered two years in soccer and wrestling.
Makepeace was a two-year captain for the diving team at Choate-Rosemary Hall. As a senior, he finished first at the New England Prep School Diving Championships and placed third at the 2009 Founder’s League Championships. In 2008, he put himself into All-American consideration with a solid campaign.
Colgate loses only four swimmers of its 2009 squad that finished fifth, four points behind Lehigh, at the Patriot League Championships.