The University of Louisville men’s swimming and diving program has announced the signing of three student-athletes to National Letters of Intent, and the addition of two local standouts during the spring signing period. They will join the eleven prospects already inked during the early fall signing period. The Cards, who are coming off an 11th place finish at the 2013 NCAA Championships, welcome the addition of Matthias Lindenbauer (Dortmund, Germany), Mihael Vukic (Zabok, Croatia), Ryan Massey (Spring, TX), Nolan Smith (Louisville, KY), and Estefan Albiero (Louisville, KY).
“These five are a phenomenal addition to an already deep and versatile class. We feel as if they can make an immediate impact individually as well as on relays.” said Head Swimming Coach Arthur Albiero.
Lindenbauer comes to the Cardinals from Dortmund, Germany. A freestyle specialist, Matthias has been a member of the German National Junior Team from 2010 -2013. Lindenbauer has represented his country at both the European Junior Championships and the FINA World Junior Championships. He was also German Junior National Champion in the 50-meter butterfly in 2012. His best times include a 23.54 in the 50 LCM freestyle, a 50.44 in the 100 LCM freestyle, a 1:50.77 in the 200 LCM freestyle and a 24.72 in the 50 LCM butterfly.
Vukic will arrive to the Ville from Zabok, Croatia. A butterfly and freestyle specialist, Vukic is a multiple time National and Junior National Champion in his home country. Mihael has also represented Croatia multiple times internationally, most notably in 2011 at the FINA World Junior Championships where he finished as runner-up in the 50m Butterfly. Vukic’s top times: 22.86 in the 50 LCM freestyle, 50.48 in the 100 LCM freestyle, a 23.90 in the 50 LCM butterfly and a 54.46 in the 100 LCM butterfly.
Massey comes to UofL from Klein Oak High School in Spring, Texas. Under the tutelage of Mike McCauley at the Premier Aquatics Club of Klein, Massey established himself as one of the top Individual Medley and backstroke specialists to emerge from the state of Texas this year. Ryan competed at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials, and has National level cuts in multiple events. Massey top times include a 1:49.59 in 200 SCY Individual Medley, a 3:53.74 in the 400 SCY Individual Medley, and1:47.53 in the 200 SCY Backstroke. He also posted lifetime best times of 49.78 in the 100 SCY Backstroke 4:28.67 in the 400 LCM Individual Medley, 2:09.86 in the 200 LCM Individual Medley, and 2:05.65 in the 200 LCM Backstroke.
Smith comes to Louisville from Ballard High School and Cardinal Aquatics. Nolan was a Kentucky State High School finalist in both the 200 SCY and 500 SCY freestyle events at the 2013 Kentucky State High School Meet.
Albiero joins the Cards from Christian Academy of Louisville and Cardinal Aquatics. Estefan was a finalist in both the 50 and 100 Freestyle at the 2013 Kentucky High School State Meet.
Lindenbauer, Vukic, Massey, Smith and Albiero will join Brennen Berger, Samuel Blair, David Boland, Joe Brown, Trevor Carroll, Christian Garkani, Aaron Greene, Nicholas Hasemann, Josh Quallen, Jake Schultz, and Grigory Tarasevich as Freshman for the 2013-2014 campaign.
“These sixteen young men are not only extremely gifted student-athletes, but also great people,” said Albiero. “Getting to know each one of these guys through the recruiting process has assured me that each one is a great fit for the program, and all are eager to achieve great things in both the classroom and the pool. As a coaching staff, we look forward to the opportunity to help these guys develop and grow as athletes, as students, and as young men.”
Link to Fall Signees
http://www.gocards.com/sports/
This is an unedited press release.
Is Estefan Albiero the coach’s son?
Yes