Ben Cono with coach John Pisano.
Ben Cono, the top 200 yard breaststroker at North Carolina State as a freshman last season, has transferred to Loyola-Maryland.
“I’m extremely excited to be a Greyhound this upcoming season, as well as to train under Coach Brian (Loeffler),” Cono said of his new team. “I can’t possibly ask for more as a Student Athlete with ADHD than to have one of the US Paralympic Coaches as my College Coach.”
Cono’s best times in yards:
- 100 breast – 54.07
- 200 breast – 1:57.60
Cono says that he informed the NC State coaching staff right after the 2015 NCAA Championships that he wouldn’t be returning to the program this fall, and returned home to train with his home club Team Suffolk under John Pisano and Frank DeGrazia.
His summer was wildly successful, including breaking the 15-18 LSC Record in the 100 meter breaststroke in 1:02.75, which ranked him as the 12th-fastest 18 & under breaststroker in the country this year and among the top 50 of any age.
He also swam a 2:16.88 at a Zone Championship meet, which ranked him 9th among 18 & unders nationally.
“(North Carolina State) wasn’t a good fit from the start but I told myself I’d go the entire year and then make a decision,” Cono said. “The swimmers at NC State are amazing guys and I do wish them the best and I can’t wait to race with them again at NCAA’s and Olympic trials.”
“I’m also looking forward to doing all I can to help make the Greyhounds a much larger force in the Patriot League.”
Loyola-Maryland head coach Brian Loeffler was named the 2014 U.S. Paralympic Coach of the Year across all sports.
Cono scored 25 points at last year’s ACC Championships as part of the Wolfpack’s team title on the men’s side.
“I’d really like to thank the Suffolk coaches, as well as Chad Onken at YOTA for helping train me through this transition period,” Cono emphasized. “Their support was invaluable in staying on track this summer as I decided where to next train.”
Loyola-Maryland finished 6th at last year’s Patriot League Championship meet out of 10 teams. His best time in the 100 breaststroke would’ve been 2nd in the Patriot League last season and would have won the conference title in the 200. In total, Loyola scored just 2 of its 196 points in the breaststroke events.
In fact, Cono’s best times are both much faster than the Loyola School Records in the event.
He will also have a chance to contribute to Loyola’s sprint free relays immediately as a sophomore.
Loyola hit big with this decision. They gained a fierce swimmer. It’s a difficult decision to switch programs/ schools. Props to making a better decision for yourself. Looking forward to seeing continued success for you!!
OUTSTANDING!! So proud of you, can’t wait to see your next conquest!
Keep on growing & making us all believe in you.
May the time trials and the FORCE be with you.
GOD SPEED
Good Luck and best wishes. One day we can say- Ooh -we know this kid from our friends cirlce is competing for Olympic. I bet one day you will bring olympic trophy.
Congrats to you Ben you have always faced any challenge and gone forward. Along with all your family I am so proud of you. you have accomplished so much in so many ways. happy birthday. Love you, Aunt Margie
Happy Birthday Ben!! Wishing you continued success in & out of the pool.
Hope we see you at Rio!
Ben, you have made your parents very proud. Continue on your journey. “Nothing but the best is good enough for you” Blessing’s to you always! Have a happy and enjoyable Birthday!!!!
Best of Luck Ben. You are one talented and brave person. Everyone knows what works for 1 student/athlete may not work for all. Thank you for having the courage to make a difficult move and being true to yourself. Be proud of your accomplishments and continue to work hard. Looking forward to a successful and happy year! NCS’s loss is Loyola’s gain. Happy Birthday!!!!!
Good luck at the new school! You’re going to crush it!