Swimming Signs Four On Men's Side
November 26, 2008 | Swimming & Diving
Nov. 26, 2008
Michael Haefner of Bentonville, Ark.; Alex Burtch of Goshen, Ind.; Kevin Bandy of Coral Springs, Fla.; and Michael Pryor of Jaffrey, N.H. have all signed National Letters-of-Intent to continue their swimming careers for the men's team at the University of Louisville.
"Overall, we feel very good about this class not only for their athletic abilities, but more importantly for their character," said U of L head coach Arthur Albiero. "That has always been priority one for our program and this group certainly brings great expectations for the future of Cardinal Swimming. They all have a burning desire to get better and we look forward to working with them."
Michael Haefner of Bentonville, Arkansas, swam for Aqua-hawgs Swim Club was a District Champion in 2006, 2007, 2008 and earned All-District honors each of those years. He was the state champion in the 200-free both freshman and sophomore year (2006 & 2007). At State, he won the 100-free as a sophomore in 2007. He earned All-State honors in both 2006 and 2007. Helping to lead Bentonville High School to two State Championships in 2006 and 2007, he was the 2007 Arkansas State High School "Male Swimmer of the Year". Although he did compete in 2008 High School State meet, he still holds the fourth fastest 100-freestyle time in more than 50 years of Arkansas High School Swimming. A strong student, he was a USA Swimming Scholastic Academic All-American Team in 2008 and a member of the National Honor Society.
"Michael has established himself as one of the top High School IMers and breaststroke swimmers in the country. He will contribute right from the start at the Big East level and we are excited to watch him continue to improve as a student, as an athlete and as a person at the University of Louisville," said Albiero.
Alex Burtch of Goshen, IN is a four- time All -American, earning those honors for the 200-IM in both 2007 and 2008, and the 200-free and 100-breast in 2008). In the 2008 IHSAA State Finals, he was third in the 100-free (46.23) and fifth in the 200-IM (1:52.73). In the 2007 IHSAA State Finals, he was fifth in the 200-IM (1:54.53). He set five Concord High School records: the 200-free (1:44.14), 200-IM (1:52.73), 100-fly (52.72), 100-free (46.00), and 500-free (4:43.65). He is a seven-time Concord Sectional Champion.
"Alex is one the top high school athletes coming out of Indiana this year," said Albiero. "We look forward to his immediate contributions in the freestyle and Individual Medley events. He is an ambitious and hungry competitor and we look for great things from him as a Cardinal."
Kevin Bandy of Coral Springs, Fla. helped lead his high school team to state championships in 2006 and 2007. He is a four-time relay state champion and a nine-time high school All-American. Captain of the high school swim team as both a junior and senior years, he was third in the 200-free and third in the 500-free at the Florida high school state meet in 2008. He is a four-time Pinch-A-Penny All-Area 12 team and was named a three-time All-Broward County team by both the Sun-Sentinel and Miami Herald. He was an award-winner for academic excellence in Italian and International Relations as well as being an AP Scholar Award and editor in chief of the school newspaper.
"Kevin comes to Louisville from the highly regarded Coral Springs Swim Club under Coach Michael Lohberg," said Albiero. "He is one of the best middle distance freestylers in this years recruiting class, and we are excited about the intensity in which he approaches his training. We look forward to what he can add in an already competitive training group here at UofL. His impact will be felt immediately at the Big East level."
Michael Pryor of Jaffrey, N.H. is a Scholastic All-American and had a 6th place finish at Spring Junior Nationals in the 400-IM. He is 3-time spring Junior National and 2-time summer Junior National qualifier in numerous events. He is the team record holder in the 400-IM, 500-free, 1000-free, 1650-free, 200-fly and was 7th in the country in the 400-IM for 15-16 year olds in 2006-2007.
"Michael is a very strong 400 IMer and versatile athlete, and the top recruit from the state of New Hampshire," said Albiero. "His presence in our distance group will add enthusiasm to our training atmosphere. We look forward to his development as an endurance athlete, and expect great things from him as a freshman."
