Swimming Announces Signing Class
Alfred State swimming coach RC Weston is pleased to announce his 2015-16 signing class. Weston, entering his second year at the helm of the program, signed six new Pioneers.
Don Piatek – an Automotive Service Technician major from Springville, NY. Piatek swam for Springville-Griffith Institute (NYS Section VI) where he led the team to a 9-1 record in dual meets and were ECIC Division "A" Runners-Up. A fly and backstroke specialist who placed 3rd in both events at the ECIC Division "A" championships, Piatek is expected to have an impact in both individual events and A-Relays.
"We're really excited to have Don on our team next year. I think there are a lot of great qualities that he brings to our program coming from a strong team at SGI. Not to mention, he has the potential to do some really amazing things in the water at this level. He immediately adds a new dynamic to our relays and will have a chance to take the top spot in some of his individual events."
Zach Russell – a Construction Engineering Tech major from Macedon, NY. Russell comes in from Pal-Mac High School (NYS Section V) where he placed 4th in both the 100 butterfly and 50 freestyle at the Section V Class-B Championships posting the 15th and 17th fastest times in all of Section V, respectively.
"Zach is going to be a game-changer for this program as we continue to build and he will be a top swimmer on this team throughout his career. Hailing from the program that Head Coach Jason Stevens runs at Pal-Mac, I know that Alfred State is getting a special talent. I'm looking forward to seeing Zach continue to build his strength in the water which will lead him to some amazing accomplishments in the future."
Andrew Callaghan – a Business Administration major from Palmyra, NY. Also from Pal-Mac High School (NYS Section V), Callaghan brings strong leadership abilities to a young program and added depth to the Pioneers. The 12th Place finisher in the 200 IM and 7th place finisher in the 100 backstroke at the 2015 Section V Class-B Championship, Callaghan has an opportunity to take his talents and develop even more at the next level.
"When I got word from Jason Stevens at Pal-Mac that I was getting two high quality individuals in Zach and Andrew, my excitement was through the roof. Andrew is the type of Student-Athlete that you want at the center of your program and can really make a difference as this team develops its image. Without question, Andrew has tons of potential and I'm really looking forward to watching him progress."
Jacob Sitter - an Electrical Construction & Maintenance Electrician major from Geneva, NY. Sitter is a former swimmer of Coach Weston's at Midlakes High School (NYS Section V). After placing 16th in the 200 free and 15th in the 100 free at the 2015 Section V Class-C Championships, Sitter will be an asset to the Pioneer's in the mid-distance freestyle events.
"Having another Midlakes Alum on this team (Tim Berry – So.) holds a special place for me as a 2006 graduate. I've always wanted to give back to my hometown and the fact that I get the opportunity to coach not only one, but two of my former athletes is surreal. I know what type of student-athlete Jacob is and there is a lot of untapped potential just aching to get out. I can't wait to help take him to the next level."
Alley Sell – a Veterinary Technology major from Hanover, PA. As one of the top student-athletes at South Western High School, Sell was a YAIAA All-Star Honorable Mention who placed 13th in the 100 breast at the 2015 PIAA District 3 Class-AAA Championship Meet.
"With such a small women's program historically, having someone as talented as Alley come into our program will undoubtedly put this program on the map as we continue our transition to the NCAA. Alley brings far more than just athletic ability to the Pioneers and we are excited to build the program around her. The sky is the limit for what she can achieve and we will work towards turning her into our program's first NCAA qualifier when we finish the transition."
Megan Hendershot – a Digital Media & Animation major from Brockport, NY. Hendershot is a Brockport High School (NYS Section V) alum who is looking to do great things here at Alfred State. The 24th place finisher in the 100 butterfly, and the 27th place finisher in the 100 backstroke at the 2014 Section V Class-B Championships has an opportunity to compete and leave her mark here with Pioneer Swimming & Diving.
"I'm really looking forward to working with Megan and the entire incoming freshman class here with Pioneer Swimming & Diving. Megan was one of the first interested recruits I had reached out to upon taking over the program and she really has a chance to grow and develop at the next level. She is going to be an asset to our Women's program as we build."
The 2015-16 swim season opens up on October 17th when they compete in the Pitt-Bradford relays.
