Bulls Sign 14 Student-Athletes for 2008-09

Four women and 10 men set to join the UB swimming and diving program in the fall
BUFFALO, NY – University at Buffalo swimming and diving coach Andy Bashor has announced the addition of 14 student-athletes to the swimming and diving program. Four women and 10 men representing six different states are set to join the Bulls for the upcoming season.

“We are extremely happy about this year’s recruiting class and the different areas of the country we were able to recruit. It is one of the best and deepest recruiting classes that have entered UB. We have men and women that will make an immediate impact on our team and in the conference," says Coach Bashor. "I believe the theme of this class is potential. Many have the ability to become top level swimmers and divers in the conference and eventually on the national level. This is a great start to building a brighter future for UB Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving.”

Simon Proudfoot (Jacksonville, FL/Stanton College Prep) is a junior national qualifier who swims for Stanton College Prep and the Bolles School Sharks. He is the state runner up in the 200 free and placed third in the 100 freestyle at the 2007 Florida High School State Class 2A Championships.

“Simon will be a huge contributor in the sprint freestyle and mid-distance events. He already possesses times that are at the top of our depth chart," said Bashor. "Simon is a great addition to the team and will help us move up the conference standings.”

Jake Sangren (Ithaca, NY/Lansing) is a senior national qualifier who swims for Lansing High School and LCAT. He is the New York State runner up in the 100 backstroke and finished fifth in the 200 individual medley. Jake also placed third in the 50 backstroke at the 2008 Junior National Championships.

“We are extremely excited that Jake is coming to Buffalo. His versatility will show in season as he will be called upon to swim a variety of events during dual meet season," Bashor said. "His 100 backstroke time of 49.91 is already faster than the school record. He will strengthen an already impressive backstroke group and will provide many options for the medley relays.”

Chris Berloth (Ypsilanti, MI/Huron) a junior national qualifier who swims for Huron High School and Club Wolverine. He is the Michigan Division 1 State Champion in the 100 butterfly and placed third in the 200 individual medley. He was also a member of the winning 400 freestyle relay that helped Huron High School secure a state championship.

“We are extremely excited that Chris has decided to become a member of our swimming & diving family at UB," said Bashor. "Chris’s maturity and leadership abilities will help guide the Bulls to future successes both in and out of the water.”

Jared Heine (Corry, PA/Corry) is a six-time Pennsylvania State High School finalist and a YMCA national qualifier. This year Jared capped off his senior campaign as the runner-up in the 100 freestyle and a fourth place finish in the 200 freestyle. Jared will be a contributor in a variety of relays and will add depth in the butterfly and IM events.

“Jared’s potential is limitless and he will be a major contributor to our men’s team," Bashor said. "He has the ability for significant improvements during his time at UB and we are looking forward to watching his progression.”

Drew Polhill (Brewster, NY/Brewster) is a junior national qualifier and a New York State finalist in the 200 individual medley. He swims for Brewster High School and BGNW Marlins.

“Drew is very diverse swimmer who will be counted on to contribute right away in the breaststroke and IM events, as well as several relays," Bashor said. "He also has a solid 100 and 200 butterfly that will not be over looked.”

Alex Kral (Central Valley, NY/Monroe-Woodbury) is a 2008 New York State finalist in the 100 butterfly who swims for Monroe Woodbury Swim Club.

“Alex is another swimmer that has unlimited potential to improve during the next four years," Bashor said. "He specializes in the sprint and mid-distances events and will add great depth to any event asked of him.”

Andrew Kuter (Pittsford, NY/Pittsford) is a junior national and a three-year state qualifier who swims for Marty Keating at Pittsford Aquatic Club. Andrew excels in the sprint freestyle and butterfly events. He also has the potential to be a major contributor on the 200 and 400 freestyle relays.

“Andrew will be a great addition to our sprint group and will make our relays stronger, said Bashor. "We look forward to watching him continue to improve during his time here at Buffalo.”

Chad Miller (Liverpool, NY/Liverpool) is a 2008 New York State finalist in the 50 freestyle and 100 butterfly. He currently swims for Liverpool Jets Swim Club.

“Chad will add depth and consistency to the sprint freestyle events. We are looking forward to his impact on the 200 and 400 freestyle relays," Bashor said. "We believe that Chad is just starting to reach his swimming potential and we are happy that he has chosen Buffalo.”

Colin Patrican (Ijamsville, MD/Urbana) is a native of New York who moved to Maryland for his senior year of high school. He was recently named the 2008 Diver of the Year for the Frederick County Public Schools.

“Colin will strengthen our diving program that already boasts an NCAA qualifier, Mike McDowell. He possesses strong one and three-meter diving lists that have the potential to score at our conference meet his first year," Bashor said. "We are excited to have Colin as a part of our family.”

Simon Sarabura (Maple Glen, PA/Upper Dublin) is junior national qualifier who dives for Liberty Diving out of the Philadelphia area.

“We are looking forward to having Simon as a member of our program, as he will provide intensity and dedication to the diving team," said Bashor. "He has big meet experience that will help him as he works towards top-12 performances at the conference championships.”

Brynn Marecki (Livonia, MI/Livonia Stevenson) swims for Farmington Family YMCA in Michigan. She is the 2008 Michigan High School State Champion in the 200 individual medley and 100 breaststroke and was a top-three finisher in both events as a junior. Brynn is also a YMCA National Championship finalist in the 100 and 200 breaststroke, and 400 individual medley in 2008. She was a YMCA National Champion as a member of the 200 Medley Relay team in 2007.

“We are very excited that Brynn will be joining the UB family, as she will bring a higher level of competitiveness to the middle distance group," said Bashor. "Her impact and experience will be felt right away in the breaststroke and IM events, as well as relays.”

Amanda Reall (Orlando, FL/Olympia) swims for Swim Orlando. She is a junior national qualifier and will make an immediate impact in the distance free events as well as the 200 butterfly and 400 individual medley.

“Amanda will be an immediate contributor to the distance group in her first year," Bashor said. "She has a strong work ethic that will carry her to greater successes here at UB. We are very happy that she has chosen Buffalo.”

Alie Schirmers (Coon Rapids, MN/Blaine) swims for Great Wolf Swim Team and coach Dave Bentz. She is a junior national qualifier and will add versatility to the UB Swimming & Diving program. Alie was a Minnesota High School State finalist in the 200 IM and 500 freestyle in 2008 and is a sectional qualifier in the 100 & 200 breaststroke, 400 IM, and distance freestyle events.

“Alie is a versatile swimmer that we help us in a variety of events. This is one of many reasons why we are extremely excited that she will be swimming for UB," Bashor said. "She will be counted on to contribute right away and we believe she has the training background to continue to improve over the next several years.”

Keri Chandler (Mount Joy, PA/Donegal) swims for Trident Swim Club. She is a Pennsylvania High School consolation finalist and a sectional qualifier in the sprint freestyle events.

“Keri has tremendous potential to swim faster and will add depth to the middle distance and sprint events, Bashor said, "We feel that Keri is a diamond in the rough and will add energy and excitement to our team.”

06/03/2008