FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Fairfield University Swimming and Diving Team and Head Coach Janelle Atkinson-Wignall are pleased to announce the signing of eight swimmers to the class of 2020. The signings include three women and five men from six different states and two different countries. Head coach Atkinson-Wignall had great things to say about each student-athlete.
Fall Signees:
Elizabeth 'Betsy' Powers / Wenham, Massachusetts / Butterfly: "Betsy is a solid butterflier who I believe will only get better in college. She will prove to be very useful in relays next year."
Colleen Young / St. Louis, Missouri / Breaststroke / 2012 US Paralympian and World Record Holder 200m breaststroke: “Colleen is an extremely unique individual who will bring a whole lot of wealth to this young team. Her international experience will certainly add something different to the program and she will be relied on heavily for medley relays.”
Katherine ‘Katia’ Young / Garden Grove, California / Butterfly: “Katia is an extremely versatile athlete who will add to the depth of this program. Although a butterflier, she has also posted very competitive times in backstroke as well as the sprint freestyle events which will be a huge gain for all the relays.”
Griffin Burke / Corte Madera, California / IM/Backstroke: “Griffin is a standout athlete who will add some serious strength to the men’s program. His versatility is truly something that will take this program to the next level and I couldn’t be more excited to work with him.”
Mark Enright / Loudonville, New York / Sprint Free: “Mark is one of those athletes that I believe has flown under the radar in high school and will truly shine once he gets to Fairfield. His speed will make a huge impact on all the freestyle relays.”
Brendan Finnegan / Haddonfield, New Jersey / Butterfly: “Brendan is another diamond in the rough with this incoming class. He’s a great butterflier who can also hold his own in freestyle events which will again be key for our relays.”
Jordan Rahurahu / Kaiapoi, New Zealand / IM / Made a National Junior team for New Zealand in September: “Jordan is going to be a huge game changer for this program. His versatility much like Griffin’s will greatly impact the men’s team and set the program up for long term success in the conference and beyond.”
Michael Sparks / Centerville, Ohio / Distance Free/IM: “Michael will add a lot of depth to the distance group and the team in general. His versatility much like his future teammates' will make a huge and immediate impact and will really set the Stags up for a big leap next year.”
