Dec. 12, 2013
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -
Penn State men's swimming and diving added five newcomers to the 2014-15 squad. The five athletes consist of four swimmers and one diver that will hope to make an immediate impact in the 2014-15 season. The four swimmers are David Gross (Perryville, Md.), Zachary Kantz (Mount Bethel, Pa.), Ryan O'Neill (Howell, N.J.) and Michael Skibniewski III (Monroe Township, N.J.). Connor Scanlon (Laurel, Md.) represents the diver of the signing class.
"I'm excited about the athletes that we were able to attract to Penn State," said Murphy. "There is a tremendous opportunity for the swimmers both on the men's and women's sides to come to a top-flight program and have a tremendous experience. Overall, we addressed some needs and we are excited to see and follow their progress."
2014-15 Penn State Men's Swimming and Diving Recruiting Class
David Gross
Hometown: Perryville, Md.
High School: Perryville High School
Club Team: Arena Club Aquatics
Club Coach: Sam Lapan
Zachary Kantz |
Honors and Highlights: Swam for Arena Club Aquatics under the direction of head coach Sam Lapan ... Named the 2012-13 Maryland 15-year-old Swimmer of the Year ... 2012 and 2013 Maryland state champion in the 800 freestyle competition ... 2013 Maryland state champion in the 1,000 freestyle event ... Qualified for the summer junior nationals in the 800 and 1,500 freestyle events in 2013 ... Earned Scholastic All-America status in 2012 and 2013.
On Choosing Penn State: "I chose Penn State because I feel that it is the best fit for me, both academically and athletically. Penn State offers the whole package: a great swimming program and a great learning environment."
Zachary Kantz
Hometown: Mount Bethel, Pa.
High School: Bangor Area High School
High School Coach: Amy Lutte
Club Team: Blue Eagle Swim Team
Honors and Highlights: Lettered for four years at Bangor Area High under the tutelage of head coach Amy Lutte ... Garnered All-America recognition for the 50 and 100 freestyle during his junior year ... Became the first swimmer from his high school to qualify for the Pennsylvania State championship meet and placed second in the 50 and 100 freestyle events in 2013 ... Named a PIAA Division AAA All-State honoree for his junior season ... Recognized as a High Performance Senior Swimmer while competing at the club level with the Blue Eagle Swim Team.
On Choosing Penn State: "I have always liked Penn State; however, the feeling I had on my recruiting trip didn't compare to any other. I just felt like Penn State was the place for me; it's hard to describe in words. I can't wait to represent Penn State and be a part of the legacy - We Are Penn State."
Ryan O'Neill |
Ryan O'Neill
Hometown: Howell, N.J.
High School: Freehold Township High School
High School Coach: Brittney Bott
Club Team: Freehold Old-Bridge YMCA
Club Coach: Paul Florio
Honors and Highlights: Four year letterwinner at Freehold Township High under the guidance of head coach Brittney Bott ... Currently holds nine school records at Freehold Township High ... Qualified for the New Jersey State championship finals in the 200 and 500 freestyle events ... Earned first team Monmouth County and Shore Conference accolades ... Garnered third team All-New Jersey recognition ... Named the team MVP for his freshman, sophomore and junior seasons ... Competed for Freehold Old-Bridge YMCA at the club level ... Holds 10 club records for the 15 and over age group ... Qualified for the Long Course Junior Nationals in the 50, 100 and 200 freestyle events and the Short Course Junior Nationals in the 200 freestyle race ... Four-time qualifier for YMCA Nationals.
On Choosing Penn State: "I chose Penn State for the high level of academics and the atmosphere on campus. The feeling of pride and tradition is felt once you enter the campus. The coaching staff and team made me feel welcomed right away; I am excited for the next four years!"
Michael Skibniewski III |
Connor Scanlon
Hometown: Laurel, Md.
High School: Atholton High School
Club Team: Montgomery Dive Club
Club Coach: Doug Beavers
Honors and Highlights: Dove for the Montgomery Dive Club under the direction of Doug Beavers ... Placed ninth at USA Diving Nationals in the three-meter competition for his age group in 2013 ... Competed against divers from all over the world at the Hobie International Invite ... Dove in the 2013 USA Diving Summer Junior Region 3 Championships.
On Choosing Penn State: "I had many great schools to choose from, all of them were almost on par with Penn State when it came to academics and athletics. Penn State just felt right. I wore a Penn State shirt to school the other day and I was truly amazed by all the positive reactions I got. It seemed like everyone had a relative or friend that went to PSU and had an amazing experience. My goal was to go to a school I am proud of and I am extremely proud to say that I will be going to The Pennsylvania State University."
Michael Skibniewski III
Hometown: Monroe Township, N.J.
High School: Monroe Township High School
Club Team: Freehold Old-Bridge YMCA
Club Coach: Paul Florio
Honors and Highlights: Swam for Freehold Old-Bridge YMCA under the guidance of head coach Paul Florio ... All-Middlesex County first team selection ... Won the 50 butterfly event at the YMCA Long Course Nationals in 2013 ... Picked up a third place finish in the 100 butterfly at the YMCA Long Course Nationals in 2013 ... Finished third at the YMCA Short Course Nationals in the 100 butterfly in 2013 ... Competed in a total of five individual events at the YMCA Nationals during the 2013 season.
On Choosing Penn State: "I chose Penn State because I not only loved the campus but I saw all of the different opportunities that I would be offered not only athletically but academically."