(LEBANON, Ill., April 29)- McKendree University head swimming and diving coach Jimmy Tierney has announced three additional signees for the 2016-17 inaugural season for the men’s swimming and diving programs. The McKendree University swimming and diving program will compete as members of the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) in NCAA Division II next year.
The newest members of the McKendree swimming and diving program include Jack Davies of Conroe, Texas, Chinyere (Izaya) Owotor of Portland, Ore., and Stephen Hutchinson of South Elgin, Ill.
“We are extremely excited to add these three gentlemen to our squad for the 2016-17 season.” Tierney went on to say, “There is no doubt in my mind that we have added some tremendous talent, both as students and athletes, to the previous group announced last week. These guys all have a true passion for the sport and will contribute great things to both our athletic and academic communities here at McKendree University.”
The Bearcats’ home meets will be held at the McKendree Metro Rec Plex, a new facility under construction in O’Fallon, Ill., which will serve as the home for the University’s swimming and diving teams, water polo programs and ice hockey squads.
Jack Davies (Hometown: Conroe, TX)
Woodlands College Park High School
Backstroke
Personal Records:
50 Back 25.74
100 Back 52.65
200 Back 1:53.18
Coach Tierney on Davies: “Jack will bring a very diverse set of talents to the Bearcat community. The British Texan (originally from England) has found success in the backstroke events in the pool (Junior National qualifier), and still finds time to delve into music as a composer and player. He hails from the nationally powerful Woodlands Swim Team in Houston and its highly successful coach Tim Bower.”
Chinyere (Izaya) Owotor (Hometown: Portland, OR)
David Douglas High School
Sprint Freestyle
Personal Records:
100 Free 48.18
50 Free 21.99
100 Back 1:06.22
100 Free Relay 47.91
50 Free Relay 21.50
Coach Tierney on Owotor: “We are thrilled that Izaya has decided to become a Bearcat this coming fall. From the moment Izaya came onto campus, he impressed everyone that he met during his visit. Izaya is an incredibly personable young man who will without a doubt be a very successful student and athlete here at McKendree. He will primarily compete in the freestyle sprint events (50 and 100 free) and contribute to our sprint relays as well.”
Stephen Hutchinson (Hometown: South Elgin, IL)
St. Charles North High School
Sprint Freestyler
Personal Records:
50 Free 21.29 (relay)
100 Fly 52.74
50 Free 21.42
100 Free 47.01 (relay)
100 Free 47.95
200 Free 1:45.73
Coach Tierney on Hutchinson: “It is very exciting for Bearcat swimming to get our first Chicago-area swimmer in Stephen. He completed a very successful high school career under legendary coach Rob Rooney at St. Charles North High School. He will bring tremendous spring free power to the Bearcats and contribute valuable points in both individual and relay events. Stephen was a member of several relays that competed in the finals at the prestigious Illinois State High School Championships.”
Swimming news courtesy of McKendree Swimming & Diving.