BRISTOL, R.I. – The Roger Williams University Swimming & Diving program has announced 20 new additions, with 12 new swimmers on the men’s side and eight on the women’s.
Fernan Alcala (Orlando, Fla.)
Kyle Ankermann (Scarborough, Maine)
Jen Ayotte (Franklin, Mass.)
John Babuka (Richmond, Ky.)
Erin Callahan (Guilderland, N.Y.)
William Ebersold (Glastonbury, Conn.)
John Foster (Wilmington, Del.)
Joseph Frey (Pittsburgh, Pa.)
Peter Gallagher (Bethel, Conn.)
Madison Guitard (Phoenix, Ariz.)
Matthew Harkins (Bethel, Conn.)
Casey Klein (Newtown, Conn.)
Kaitlin McGuire (Newport, R.I.)
Jeremy Penny (Bayville, N.Y.)
Connor Quinn (Milford, Conn.)
Michael Sannicandro (Acton, Mass.)
Kindra Scheer (South Kingstown, R.I.)
Joseph Sullivan (Cornwall, N.Y.)
Allison Surian (Burlington, Conn.)
Kenzie Sweeney (Groton, Mass.)
“This is the deepest and arguably one of the most talented classes we’ve brought to Roger Williams University,” said Head Coach Matt Emmert. “During the recruiting process, each of these athletes made a profound impression on our team and myself, with their ability to successfully balance academics and athletics.
“They’re excited to make their mark on the future of RWU Swimming & Diving, while building upon the legacy established by previous classes before them. I cannot wait to get them in the mix with our returning team members and start training. Less than 60 days until our first official practice, but who’s counting! It’s a great day to be a Hawk!”
Fernan Alcala graduated from Bishop Moore Catholic High School, where he was a four-year letterwinner. He was the 2015 FHSAA District Champion in the 100 Yard Fly and placed second in the same event in 2014. He also was the runner-up at States in 2014 and 2015. He broke the school record at the 2015 FHSAA States Championship and qualified for the the 2015 Florida Spring Senior Championship.
Kyle Ankermann comes to RWU from Scarborough High School. He was a three-time team MVP, as well as a team captain. He earned Performer of the Meet honors at the Southwestern Championships in 2016. He chose RWU to continue swimming at the collegiate level, in addition to the beautiful campus and the University’s academic reputation.
Jen Ayotte was a four-year letterwinner at Franklin High School, where she was put on the All-Star team for the Hockomock League in her junior and senior year. She chose Roger Williams for its medium-sized campus in New England, swimming team, and the proximity of the water to campus.
John Babuka was on the Region 8 All-region team while at Madison Central High School, in addition to winning the Region 8 Sportsmanship Award. He enjoys the fit of the campus and team.
Erin Callahan was a Sectional and State Qualifier while attending Guilderland High School. She appreciates the scenery on campus, as well as the food, the different and interesting science majors and courses, and of course the swim program.
William Ebersold, a Glastonbury High school graduate, enjoys the campus food, the team, the beautiful campus, and the academic requirements of Roger Williams.
John Foster qualified for the state championship three times, while swimming at Thomas Mckean.
Joseph Frey won four letters at Mount Lebanon High School, where he was a WPIAL Qualifier in the 200 and 500 Free. He is looking forward to working in the Marine Biology laboratory.
Peter Gallagher, who attended Bethel High School , qualified for states in the 200 IM and 100 Breast. He looks forward to the potential opportunities in Engineering and Men’s Swimming.
Madison Guitard, a two-time team MVP and team captain at Arete Preparatory Academy, was destined to attend RWU after a friend told her she will be going to Roger Williams University despite not knowing much about the University. When she began to look into RWU, she saw it was a perfect fit, both academically and athletically.
Matthew Harkins, two-time team captain at Bethel High School, was named to the all-conference academic team, as well as holding the school record for the 200 and 400 Free Relay. Harkins likes the University’s Engineering program in addition to the swim program.
Casey Klein attended Newtown High School, where she captained the varsity swimming and diving team in her senior year. She chose RWU for the educational and athletic opportunities, but for most of all the personal fit.
Kaitlin McGuire earned second team all-division honors in the 100 Back at Rogers High School. She stated that whenever she walks onto campus, she feels like she is home.
Jeremy Penny attended Locust Valley High School, where he was a multi-sport athlete which included local triathlon events in Long Island. He also spent time as a USA Swimming Club team member with Long Island Express Swimming. He chose RWU for its ideal location, welcoming feel, and its academic staff.
Connor Quinn was a high school state finalist all four years at Joseph A. Foran High School. He was team Rookie of the Year in his freshman year and MVP in his junior and senior year. He chose RWU because of the personal fit with respect to the location, environment, academics, and the swimming team.
Michael Sannicandro spent four years on the varsity swimming team and was head captain in his senior year at Acton-Boxborough Regional High School. He also felt that Roger Williams University was the right fit for him.
Kindra Scheer attended South Kingstown High School where she placed sixth in the 100 Breaststroke at the state championships. In addition, she qualified for YMCA New England Championships for each of the past four years. Scheer enjoys the beautiful campus of Roger Williams, as well the teachers, friendly community, and food.
Joseph Sullivan graduated from Cornwall Central High School, where he was the 2012 Swimmer of the Year in addition to winnign the Senior Award in 2016. Sullivan’s favorite thing about RWU is Coach Emmert’s excitement and attitude about the swim program, coupled with the fantastic location and excellent food.
Allison Surian was a four-year letterwinner at Lewis S. Mills High School. She was the Berkshire League Champion in the 500 Free, as well as all-state in the 500 Free and 100 Backstroke. She enjoys Roger Williams’ beautiful campus and friendly atmosphere.
Kenzie Sweeney, a graduate of Bishop Guertin High School, earned the Most Improved Season Award in 2015. She is impressed by the sense of community at RWU and the love towards everyone on the team.
Swimming news courtesy of Roger Williams Swimming.