Men's Swimming Announces Addition of Eleven New Swimmers
Alfred State swimming and diving coach RC Weston is excited to announce the addition of eleven new student-athletes to the program. The Pioneers open up the 2016-17 season on October 15th when they host the Blue & Gold Alumni Meet.
Photo Gallery of the 2016 Men's Swimming & Diving Signing Pictures
Nicholas Beach (Candaigua/Canandaigua Academy)
Major: Heavy Equipment Operations
Event(s): Diving
Coach Weston: "Nick is probably one of the best Divers to ever walk on Alfred State's Campus. With his scores coming in, he would have qualified for the NCAA D3 Zone Meet as a Senior in High School. With his increase in muscle mass after a year off, there is no ceiling in place for what he can achieve. In 2 years when we are NCAA Championship eligible, I anticipate Nick being our school's 1st National Qualifier."
Notes: Son of William and Theresa Beach. Transfer from Finger Lakes Community College. 4 year Varsity Diver with 2015 Section V Class B Champion Canandaigua Academy. Placed 4th in 1m Diving at both the 2014 and 2015 Section V Class B Championships and 16th in the 50 Free in 2015. All-League selection in 2014. Member of 2014-2015 Section V State Championship team placing 30th at the State Championships in 1m Diving. 4 year member of Cross Country team and recipient of Jack Coons Perseverance Award in 2013. Member of the Track and Field team and was part of the school record breaking 4x800 relay team. High Honor Roll student all 4 years of high school.
Nathan Ciciera (Derby/Lake Shore)
Major: Electrical Construction and Maintenance Electrician
Events: Sprint Freestyle/Butterfly
Coach Weston: "Nate is probably one of the strongest athletes we have coming in next year and will add a quality student-athlete to our sprint group. There is big chance for Nate to jump up the depth chart in the 50/100/200 Freestyle events and he will have an opportunity to train and improve on his butterfly which could end up being his best stroke throughout the course of his college career."
Notes: Son of John and Michelle Ciciera. Placed 14th in the 50 Freestyle and 16th in the 100 Freestyle at the 2016 Section 6 Class B Championships. Brett Farrell Memorial Award winner for Leadership and Athletic Performance. 2016 Season & Invitational MVP, also received Ironman Award for "Most Determined Swimmer" during the 2016 season at Lake Shore High School. Honor Roll Student and Scholar Athlete (2x Volleyball, 1x Swimming).
Ethan Dale (Lock Haven, PA/Central Mountain)
Major: Architectural Technology
Club Team: Lock Haven YMCA Loggerheads
Events: Breaststroke/IM
Coach Weston: "Ethan will be, undoubtedly, the most important factor in our success next year as he fills a major need in Breaststroke/IM, a spot that has been missing for the past 2 years. His greatest value may be outside of the pool as we continue to build this program with quality student-athletes who understand the importance of balancing academics and athletics and maintaining a very high level of achievement. I'm excited for Ethan to play a significant role in helping take this program to the next level as we foster an environment for student-athletes to achieve greatness."
Notes: Son of David and Patrice Dale. 186th ranked swimmer in Pennsylvania for the 2016 Recruiting Class according to CollegeSwimming.com. Placed 4th in both the 200 IM and 100 Breaststroke at the 2016 Pennsylvania District 6 Championships. 2016 YMCA Central District Champion in the 200 Breaststroke also placing 5th in the 400IM and 100 Breaststroke. Graduated with 8 School Records and was a 4-year District qualifier and 4-year Letterman. Also lettered in Track & Field at Central Mountain, qualifying for Districts in the 400m & 800m. Was named Defensive MVP of the Football team his Freshman year. Treasurer of the National Honor Society. Scholarship recipient from the Sons of Italy, Lock Haven Lions Club, Association of Clinton County Education, Davis Insurance, and Agnes Reilly. Received the Outstanding Senior in Drafting and Design Technology Award. NOCTI Certified and competed in Skills USA.
Tyler La Flamm (Mexico/Mexico)
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Events: Backstroke
Coach Weston: "The sky is the limit for what Tyler can achieve here at Alfred State. His height and length in the water provide him with a natural ability. What will set Tyler apart at this level is his passion and dedication to improve. I'm thrilled to work with Tyler on utilizing his gifts to make him one of our top swimmers over the course of his 4-year career. Not many swimmers who have dealt with a shoulder injury in the past can still swim a full 100 Backstroke in a meet while only using 1 arm; let alone finish ahead of anyone. Tyler's tenacity and determination is welcomed with open arms and I can't wait to see what untapped potential awaits!"
Notes: Son of April Jordal and Stacy La Flamm. Placed 3rd in the 100 Backstroke at the 2016 Section III Class B Championships. Member of the Cross Country team at Mexico High School. Recipient of the Brian Ariola Award for the most improved Cross Country runner. Honor Roll Student.
Ryan McDowell (Macedon/Gananda)
Major: Architecture
Events: Butterfly/Backstroke
Coach Weston: "Ryan showed interest in being a Pioneer during the early parts of his Junior year and I couldn't be more excited that he will be joining the Pioneer family in the Fall! Ryan is a tremendous student-athlete who has the high-character qualities we look for and that will make him very successful here. Bolstering our depth in Backstroke and Butterfly, Ryan can train his way onto an A Medley Relay spot as early as his Freshman year and could see significant time drops with our focus on strength training."
Notes: Son of Kip and Annette McDowell. Placed 2nd in the 100 Butterfly and 5th in the 100 Backstroke at the 2016 Section V Class C Championships. 4-year sectional qualifier. Team Captain senior year. School Record Holder in 200 Medley Relay, 200 Free Relay, and 400 Free Relay. 2012 Rochester Youth Triathlon Champion and 2013, 2014, & 2015 Gananda Triathlon Champion. 4-year High Honor Roll student and member of National Honor Society and Math Honor Society. Recipient of the Alfred State Excellence in Education Scholarship.
Patrick McFadden (Clifton Springs/Midlakes)
Major: Network Administration
Club Team: Clifton Springs YMCA Seahawks
Events: Distance Freestyle
Coach Weston: "Hailing from my hometown and alma mater, when Patrick showed up on his 1st visit to Alfred State I was glad to hear he was interested in being a Pioneer. Anytime I have a chance to coach someone from Midlakes it's a pretty special moment. We have been desperate for someone to be a true distance swimmer behind Jr Captain Bryce Cutler; Patrick has the opportunity to make a difference from Day 1 and could see his role expand with an ability to swim breaststroke. I'm ready to see what he can do at this level with an increased training regimen."
Notes: Son of Barry and Amy McFadden. Placed 15th in 2016 and 14th in 2015 in the 500 Freestyle at the Section V Class C Championships. Actively involved in the Boy Scouts of America and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Member of the Midlakes Jazz Band and is an All-County selection. High Honor Roll Student all 4-year of High School. Member of the National Honor Society. Recipient of the Alfred State Excellence in Education Scholarship.
Timothy Olin (Perry/Perry)
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Events: Backstroke
Coach Weston: "Tim has the chance to have an immediate impact as our top backstroker which gives us the flexibility to have our returners swim events more designated for their strengths. Where he is going to be a major factor is in our Freestyle relays; a spot that is usually ultra-competitive, Tim undoubtedly will be a difference maker. I think we have a lot to discover in regards to Tim's swimming ability and what his true strengths are, this should be a fun year to find out what else Tim can excel at!"
Notes: Son of Duane & Sheila Olin. 193rd ranked swimmer in New York for the 2016 Recruiting Class according to CollegeSwimming.com. Placed 2nd in the 100 Backstroke and 3rd in the 100 Freestyle at the 2016 Section V Class C Championships. LCAA All-Star 2012-2016. 2016 LCAA Champion 100 Backstroke. Holds 6 Individual and 2 Relay Records for Letchworth-Perry HS Swimming. 2x Team Captain in Swimming & Soccer, Scholar Athlete Award Recipient for Swimming, Soccer and Golf. LCAA All-Star 2014-2015 and Exceptional Senior (Soccer). Member of the Section V Class C Golf Team Champions. Selected to New York State Boy's State 2015. 4-year Highest Honor Roll (GPA above 95). Member of National Honor Society, Class Secretary, recipient of Principle's Award. Recipient of the Alfred State All-American Scholarship.
Elijah Perot (Middlesex/Marcus Whitman)
Major: Computer Science
Club Team: Clifton Springs Area YMCA Seahawks
Events: Sprint Freestyle
Coach Weston: "Eli dealt with adversity his senior season that limited his ability to train but still showed extreme perseverance and hit a personal best in his 50 Free. With his training established from working with his fantastic coaches Jeff Anthony at Marcus Whitman and Neil Webster with the CSAY Seahawks, and a full season at the college level, Eli is primed to make some major drops in time. I'm excited to see what he can accomplish within the sprint lanes."
Notes: Son of Leon and Candy Perot. Placed 6th in the 50 Freestyle and 12th in the 100 Freestyle at the 2016 Section V Class C Championships. Member of the 2015 & 2016 Finger Lakes D2 League Championship teams at Marcus Whitman. 2014 Finger Lakes D2 League Champion in the 50 Freestyle. 4 year member of the Varsity Track & Field Team finishing 4th in the Pentathlon at the 2016 Section V Class CC Championships. 2 year member of the Cross Country team that won the Finger Lakes League Title in 2015. Avid Ukulele player.
Brandon Queen (Marion, OH/Marion Harding)
Major: Culinary Arts; Baking, Production, & Management
Events: Backstroke
Coach Weston: "Brandon has more potential than anyone in the incoming freshman class. Being relatively new to the sport of swimming gives us a clean slate to work with and Brandon's passion for the sport will take him to the next level. There is so much promise for Brandon and Alfred State is lucky to have such a stand-up individual on our campus this Fall. I can't wait to work with him and see how much he is capable of achieving next year!"
Notes: Son of Dana and Ann Queen. 3 year member of the Swimming & Diving team and helped break the 200 Freestyle Relay record. Spent 3 years as a member of the Cross Country and Track and Field teams, 1 year on Basketball and Tennis teams. 2 year member of the Singers Show Choir and X-treme Male Show Choir. 4 year member of the Symphonic Band and nationally recognized Marion Harding Marching Band. Spent 1 year as Field Commander and led Marching Band that appeared in the 2016 Outback Bowl. Graduating in the top 10% of class.
Mason Sparks (Lockport/Royalton-Hartland)
Major: Undeclared
Events: Freestyle
Coach Weston: "Mason brings a lot to the table in terms of his team-first attitude. The Roy-Hart boys team had a tremendous run in their conference dual-meets stringing together 126 straight victories over the course of nearly 10 years. Coming from a team with that type of tradition of excellence will be huge for our program as we establish and build ourselves into a top Division 3 program in the state. Mason has a chance to really make a difference as a mid-distance freestyler as a Freshman and has the potential to build into a quality distance freestyler in the future."
Notes: Son of Diana Mickey and David Sparks. 5 year member of the Roy-Hart Varsity Swimming & Diving team. Placed 1st in the 200 Freestyle, 3rd in the 500 Freestyle, and led off the winning 400 Freestyle Relay at the 2016 Niagara-Orleans All-League meet. At the 2016 Section 6 Championships, Mason finished 27th in the 50 Freestyle and 30th in the 100 Freestyle. Recipient of the David Brown Award given to the Most Valuable Senior Swimmer at Roy-Hart.
David Whiting (Camilus/West Genesee)
Major: Heavy Equipment Truck & Diesel Technician
Events: Butterfly
Coach Weston: "Dave is the type of swimmer a coach can only hope to have come into your program. A quality individual who made tremendous strides coming out of a 2-year retirement to have an exceptional senior year. Dave will be a foundation in this program for the next 4 years and you will see his name on our record board for years to come in several events. It's rare for a young, growing program to find this type of caliber athlete at this stage, it was mere chance that we ran into each other during an open house that ignited his passion to get back into the pool. I'm looking forward to working with Dave to establish the standard of excellence this program strives for in the pool."
Notes: Son of Chip and Cynthia Whiting. 108th ranked swimmer in NYS for the 2016 Recruiting Class according to CollegeSwimming.com. State Qualifier in 100 Butterfly (35th place) and 200 Freestyle Relay. Member of Section III Champion 200 Freestyle Relay. Placed 3rd in the 50 Free and 4th in the 100 Butterfly at the 2016 Section III State Qualifier. Honor Roll Student.
