Four Northern Kentucky Clipper Swimmers Announce College Commitments

Four swimmers, two women and two men, from the Northern Kentucky Clippers Swimming team announced their commitments to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level.

After having been a member of the Clippers organization for 11 years, Maria Novak has committed to the University of Cincinnati where she will impact the team with her butterfly prowess.  Novak’s best times include the 58.50 she clocked in the 100y butterfly at this year’s Kentucky state high school meet, earning an overall 13th place in the event while competing for Notre Dame HS.  Novak’s 200y butterfly time of 2:16.10 is also a competitive base on which to grow as a member of the Bearcat squad.

Brooke Harkrader is also a long-tenured Clipper, having competed for the team for 12 years.  The Cooper HS student-athlete has committed to swim for the United State Coast Guard Academy this fall. Harkrader’s highest finish at the KHSAA state meet this year was 25th in the 50y freestyle (25.83), but has since improved on that time to clock at 25.13.  Harkrader’s best 100y freestyle sits at 55.19, but her depth includes the 100y and 200y butterfly events as well.

The Miami RedHawks gain a solid freestyler and butterfly in commit Rob Newman, the state record-holder from Covington Catholic HS.  Newman was part of this year’s 400y freestyle relay team, which earned the state title by just 8/100 in a thrilling finish over heated rival St. Xavier to set a new state mark of 3:05.72. Newman also fared well individually at this year’s state championship, finishing 3rd in the 200y freestyle (1:41.86) and 3rd in the 100y butterfly (49.66).  Newman also holds personal bests of 47.19 for 100y freestyle, 49.66 for 100y butterfly and 1:54.83 for 200y IM.\

Mike Summe, also from Covington Catholic HS, will be added to the University of Kentucky roster for the 2015-16 season, joining Clipper teammate Austin Haney back in January.  Summe was also a member of the 400y freestyle title-winning relay, but also earned two state runner-up titles.  Summe’s 1:51.39 earned him second place in the 200y IM, while his 56.28 placed him on the podium in the same spot in the 100y breaststroke. Summe also has a competitive 200y breaststroke time of 2:03.98 under his belt as well.