West Virginia University Swimming & Diving Adds Nine for 2018-19

Photo Courtesy: Andy Ringgold / Aringo Photos

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – West Virginia University swimming & diving coach Vic Riggs has announced the addition of nine student-athletes to the women’s roster for the 2018-19 season.

The incoming class features Lauren Beckish, Emma Bliss, Camille Burt, Lauryn Kallay, Reka Kovacs, Bettie Logan, Emma Longley, Abigail Riggs and Megan Zartman.

Photo Courtesy: Twitter, @WVUSwimDive

“This incoming class is one that will continue to move our program into the future as we move into our new facility next season,” Riggs said. “Each brings the qualities that not only make them strong individuals, but make them great Mountaineers. The staff did a great job of identifying these women as individuals who understood our goals and commitment to the program’s future success. I’m looking forward to working with each of them to help reach their full potential here at WVU.”

“I’m excited about this year’s incoming class,” WVU diving coach Michael Grapner said. “Both girls come in with a solid background in diving and have the determination to excel at WVU. These two ladies come from very good age-group coaches, who have helped build a foundation. With the addition of Emma (Longley) and Camille, they will help add depth and a high level of competition for the Mountaineer divers. Both girls exemplify the role as student-athletes and will represent the team very well in the classroom and on the boards.”

Lauren Beckish

Williamston, South Carolina | Wren High/Team Greenville

Top Times

100 Breast: 1:05.62

200 Breast: 2:22.90

100 Fly: 56.83

200 Fly: 2:07.08

200 IM: 2:07.90

Beckish on WVU: “I chose WVU because as soon as I stepped foot on campus, I knew that I was home. The swimmers and coaches welcomed me immediately. WVU also has a great program for my major, and I couldn’t see myself anywhere else. Go Mountaineers!”

Riggs on Beckish: “Lauren will be a strong addition to our breaststroke, butterfly and individual medley groups. A very strong student, Lauren’s commitment to her swimming and academics separated her early in the recruiting process, and we are excited about her being a Mountaineer.”

Emma Bliss

Chesterfield, Michigan | L’Anse Creuse High/Utica Shelby Swim Club

Top Times

50 Free: 23.53

100 Free: 51.43

200 Free: 1:51.64

500 Free: 4:56.09

Bliss on WVU: “I chose WVU because the team and coaches immediately welcomed me in. I love the amazing atmosphere the campus has and the opportunities it gives to further my swimming and academic career. Go Mountaineers!”

Riggs on Bliss: “Emma is coming off a really good senior year that saw a lot of improvement that will add to our already strong mid-distance free events. Along with her athletics, Emma has the character and commitment to academics that we are looking for in our athletes.”

Camille Burt

Plymouth, Michigan | Salem High/Legacy Diving

Top Scores

1-meter (6 dives): 267

1-meter (10 dives): 375

1-meter (11 dives): 411

3-meter (10 dives): 379

Burt on WVU: “I chose WVU because of the family-like atmosphere on the team and because I could clearly see myself taking my academics and athletics to the next level at West Virginia.”

Grapner on Burt: “Camille is a very talented springboard diver and has the background to know what she’s capable of achieving. I’m looking forward to watching as she climbs higher toward her goals.”

Lauryn Kallay

Chesterton, Indiana | Chesterton High/Duneland Swim Club

Top Times

100 Free: 51.60

200 Free: 1:49.79

500 Free: 4:54.76

Kallay on WVU: “I chose West Virginia University because the moment I arrived, it felt like home. The coaches and team felt like my best friends after only a weekend. WVU has a fantastic swim team and academic program, and I can’t wait to spend my college career as a Mountaineer.”

Riggs on Kallay: “Lauryn is someone we identified early in the recruiting process that we felt could be an immediate contributor to our program. After having her on campus, we knew right away that we were correct. Her energy and excitement about her future goals will help our program the minute she gets on campus.”

Reka Kovacs

Székesfehérvár, Hungary | Bercsényi Miklós Közlekedési és Sportiskolai Szakgimnázium és Szakközépisk/Győri Úszó Sportegyesület

Top Times

100 Free: 58.33 (long course meters)

200 Free: 2:03.43 (long course meters)

400 Free: 4:20.19 (long course meters)

20 Fly: 2:14.87 (long course meters)

Kovacs on WVU: “I am happy to announce my commitment to West Virginia University. From the academic programs, perfect location and the fantastic swim team, I couldn’t be happier and confident in my choice. The team and coaching staff are so welcoming and are always there to answer any questions I have. I can’t wait to be part of this awesome group. Go Mountaineers!”

Riggs on Kovacs: “Through the recruiting process, we believed Reka would be another strong addition to our program. We found that she was a hard-working and dedicated athlete that will add to an already flourishing butterfly and mid-distance group.”

Bettie Logan

Columbia, Missouri | Rock Bridge High/Columbia Swim Club

Top Times

100 Back: 56.83

200 Back: 2:01.03

50 Free: 23.56

100 Free: 52.30

200 Free: 1:52.64

Logan on WVU: “I chose WVU because it has everything I need to achieve my goals in and out of the pool. The team and coaches were so welcoming and made it feel like home. I couldn’t be more excited to spend the next four years there. Go Mountaineers!”

Riggs on Logan: “Bettie comes from a very strong program, and we are looking forward to watching her develop in our backstroke and freestyle groups. During the recruiting process, her love and passion for WVU was very evident. She will be a valuable addition.”

Emma Longley

Milford, Connecticut | Joseph A. Foran High/Dive Haven

Top Scores

1-meter (6 dives): 297.15

1-meter (11 dives): 460.85

3-meter (9 dives): 340.90

Longley on WVU: “Becoming a Mountaineer is an honor and privilege. I am so excited to start this new part of my life, surrounded by such amazing people in a place I can call home.”

Grapner on Longely: “Emma has a desire and work ethic to rise to her full potential. She is ambitious and will set a high standard for this team, and I’m excited to see what she will produce during the next four years.”

Abigail Riggs

Morgantown, West Virginia | Morgantown High/Club Mountaineer

Top Times

100 Free: 55.43

200 Free: 1:58.00

500 Free: 5:13.98

Abigail Riggs on WVU: “I chose WVU because I loved the energy of the school and the positive atmosphere of the team.”

Coach Riggs on Abigail: “Having grown up in Morgantown, Abigail is a lifelong Mountaineer fan. Renee and I have been fortunate to coach her during her high school years, and we are proud parents and coaches that she chose to continue her career here at WVU. A strong mid-distance freestyler with excellent academics, we look forward to watching her develop and be part of our program.”

Megan Zartman

Hatfield, Pennsylvania | North Penn High/North Penn Aquatic Club

Top Times

100 Back: 54.98

200 Back: 2:02.52

200 IM: 2:03.03

Zartman on WVU: “I picked WVU because I really loved the team and felt like I fit in there. It also was the best fit for my academic and athletic goals.”

Riggs on Zartman: “Megan is a very talented two-sport aquatic athlete that we feel has a tremendous amount of potential. Megan’s excitement for swimming and strong academics will be a great addition to our program, and I look to see her have an immediate impact in our backstroke and individual medley groups.”

The above press release was posted by Swimming World in conjunction with West Virginia University Athletics. For press releases and advertising inquiries please contact Advertising@SwimmingWorld.com.

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