Xavier University Swimming Inks Five Women and One Man in Early Signing Period

CINCINNATI, OH, November 30. Xavier University Musketeers announced this week the signing of five women and one man as swimming prospects set to join the squad in the fall of 2005.

“We are extremely excited and thrilled with the level of talent of each individual who has decided to attend Xavier University. This fall class coupled with current team members and a strong spring recruiting season keeps our program on track to obtain our goal of moving to the top of the A-10 conference,” said Coach Gage. “We succeeded in diversifying the team by recruiting student-athletes from across the nation. We strive for excellence both in the classroom and in the pool, and we look to this class to continue that tradition,” Gage concluded.

The new Musketeers include Bridget Benner, Kali Chatham, Alissa Schriner, Audrey Wilkerson, Jill Winhusen and Sam Gray.

Individually, here is a look at the new Musketeers:

WOMEN

Bridget Benner (Orlando, Florida / Lake Highland Prep) – Bridget comes to Xavier with a great background in IM and distance-based training. As a junior, Bridget qualified for the Florida State High School Meet in the 500 Free and finaled in the 200 IM. As a captain this year, Bridget is coached by her father, Rick, and continues to improve in the 500, 400 and 200 IM and additional stroke events. “Bridget is a versatile swimmer with excellent academic credentials who will contribute in not only the IM events, but stroke events as well,” said Coach Gage.
Top Times (SCY) – 500 Free 5:13 – 200 IM 2:12 – 400 IM 4:38 – 200 Breast 2:31

Kali Chatham (Louisville, Kentucky / Sacred Heart Academy) – A Kentucky State High School finalist in the 500 Fee, Kali will provide an immediate impact in the distance events for Xavier. An Academic All-American, Kali attended the USA National Open Water Development Camp and was named to the Open Water All-American Team after placing 18th at the 2003 National Open Water Championships. “Kali loves open water swimming and is a true distance performer. We look forward to watching Kali compete as well as excelling in the classroom,” noted Coach Gage. Kali competes for Lakeside Swim Club where Mike DeBoor coaches her.
Top Times (SCY) – 200 Free 1:57.07 – 500 Free 5:08.14 – 1000 Free 10:29.57 – 1650 Free 17:21.07

Alissa Schriner (Dayton, Ohio / Centerville High School) – Alissa is a flyer and sprint freestyler who will be looked upon to contribute to Xavier’s line-up in both individual and relay events. Coached by Rob Chelle at the Dayton Raiders, Alissa has a tremendous work ethic. As a junior, Alissa was an Ohio High School State Finalist in the 100 Fly and as a member of Centerville’s 2nd Place 200 Freestyle Relay. “We are excited that Alyssa has chosen Xavier. We look forward to her continued improvement and providing Alissa with a great environment where she can obtain both her swimming and academic goals,” said Coach Gage.
Top Times (SCY) – 100 fly 59.1 – 200 Fly 2:11

Audrey Wilkerson (Indianapolis, Indiana / Bishop Chatard) – “I have been in touch with Audrey and her coach, Therese Love, from day one. She is a versatile swimmer that will compete for Xavier in the back, free, and IM events. Season after season she continues to improve and we look forward to the positive impact she will have on the women’s team,” said Coach Gage. Audrey is a multi-time Sectional and Indiana Senior State Finalist in the 100 and 200 back as well as the 200 and 500 free. Audrey has been listed on Indiana’s Top 10 Ranking since 2002.
Top Times (SCY) – 100 Back 1:00.08 – 200 Back 2:10.37 – 200 Free 2:00.08 – 500 Free 5:17.19

Jill Winhusen (Cincinnati, Ohio / Mount Notre Dame) – Jill is a multiple Ohio State High School and YMCA National finalist in both fly events. An Honors Student at Mount Notre Dame, Jill is coached by Mike Leonard at Powell Crosley YMCA. “Jill is a top local talent in the fly events and we are excited that a Cincinnatian has chosen to continue her competitive swimming career at Xavier. We could not be more pleased with her decision as she will immediately impact our fly and IM events as well as being a significant contributor to multiple relay events,” noted Coach Gage.
Top Times (SCY) – 100 Fly 58.1 – 200 Fly 2:06
Top Times (LCM) – 100 Fly 1:06.4

MEN

Sam Gray (Pleasant Hill, California / College Park High School) – “When Sam visited this fall, the coaching staff and team knew that he would be a great addition to our program,” noted Gage. Sam works with Ray Mitchell at the Terrapins and he will add depth to the Xavier men’s distance line-up. “We have a great group of core distance swimmers that we are building around and Sam’s positive attitude will add to that productive atmosphere,” said Coach Gage. A Junior National Qualifier in the 1500 Free, Sam finished 6th in the 500 and 10th in the 200 at the 2004 California High School North Coast Championships. Sam’s grandfather, Frank Nieman graduated from Xavier in 1954.
Top Times (SCY) – 200 Free 1:45.83 – 500 Free 4:40.72
Top Times (LCM) – 200 Free 2:01.20 – 400 Free 4:15.14 – 800 Free 8:41.42 – 1500 Free 16:33.57

Name*

Email*

Welcome to our community. We invite you to join our discussion. Our community guidelines are simple: be respectful and constructive, keep on topic, and support your fellow commenters. Commenting signifies that you agree to our Terms of Use