The following is a press release from the Towson Tigers athletic department, which we’ve supplemented with each athlete’s best times a bit more information courtesy of Towson Swimming & Diving:
TOWSON, Md. – The Towson University men’s swimming and diving program has added 13 student-athletes for its 2015-16 recruiting class, Head Coach Pat Mead announced.
Joining the Tigers are Zach Bishop (Exeter, N.H.), Jake Casey (Cherry Hill, N.J.), Chris Daniels (Cary, N.C.), Will Dougherty (Arnold, Md.), Ben Johnston (Mechanicsburg, Pa.), Richard Keller (Charlotte, N.C.), Stefan Keller (Santa Rosa, Calif.), Aaron Magazine (Coto de Caza, Calif.), Jensen Morris (Wilmington, Del.), Tyler Rhoades (El Cajon, Calif.), Luke Ryan (Wayne, Pa.), Jack Saunderson (Laurel, Md.) and Andrew Snyder (Ossining, N.Y.).
Zach Bishop Hometown- Exeter, NH
Best times:
- 100 LCM fly- 58.43
- 200 free 1:43.59
- 200 back 1:55.10/2:10.75
- 200 fly 1:54.16/2:09.23
- 400 IM 4:09.55
Zach, a multiple NHHS state and team record holder, will prove to be a tremendous asset for the Tiger’s future success and provide tremendous versatility to the program in the future years. High school accomplishments include, NH scholar, honor roll student, student of the quarter and high school team co-MVP. As to why Zach chose Towson: “I chose Towson because I believed that the pairing of great academics and exceptional overall team atmosphere would provide the best environment for my collegiate experience. Zach is a senior at Exeter High school in New Hampshire and swims for Exeter Swim Club under Coach Chris Woolridge. His favorite athlete is Aaron Rodgers.
Jake Casey- Cherry Hill, NJ
Diving
We are very excited to welcome John “Jake” Casey of Cherry Hill, NJ to the men’s team. Although Jake is fairly new to the sport of diving, he took home the bronze in the South Jersey Diving Championships. Jake continues to improve and impress as he learns new dives and competes. Jake plans to study nursing while here at TU. Jake will play an important role in the success of our meets in 2015-2016. As to why Jake chose Towson: I chose Towson because when I visited with the swimming and diving team, I felt right at home and like I was part of the family and because of the superior nursing program. Jake is currently a senior at Cherry Hill East Senior High School and dives for Rowan Club diving under Head Coach Andy Mackoff.
Chris Daniels- Cary, NC
Best Times:
- 50 Free: 21.81/25.44
- 100 Free: 48.14/55.23
- 200 Free: 1:45.18/1:59.38
- 100 Fly: 53.36/59.74
Two time HS All American, Chris Daniels, joins the Tigers from his hometown of Cary, NC. Daniels, who has had a tremendous amount of success on the high school level, will look to make an immediate impact on the team’s sprint group next season. In addition to his two time All- America honors, he has also been awarded all conference twice, as well as been a member of the two time state championship Green Hope HS team. As to why he chose Towson: “I chose Towson for the very hardworking and dedicated coaches and swimmers on the team. I felt very at home on the campus and can’t wait to be a tiger!” Chris is currently a senior at swimming powerhouse Green Hope HS in Cary, North Carolina and swims club for Raleigh Swim Association under Coach Brent St. Pierre. His favorite athlete is NBA Power Forward, Kevin Durant.
Will Dougherty- Arnold, MD
Best Times:
- 1650 free 16:04.28
- 1000 free 9:30.96
- 500 free 4:35.00
- 200 free 1:43.88
In state county record holder Will Dougherty will join the Tigers next fall. Dougherty will look to bolster a distance group that loses 5 athletes. Already making significant improvement this year, achieving a personal best time in the 500 free in November, Dougherty could prove to be a significant point scorer in the future for the Tigers. As to why he chose Towson: “I chose Towson because of the success and improvement of the Towson distance swimmers”. Will is a senior at Broadneck Senior High School and swims in Annapolis for the prestigious Navy Swim club under coach Hilary Yager.
Ben Johnston Mechanicsburg, PA
Best times:
- 400 IM 4:02.56
- 200 IM 1:54.86
- 200 free 1:43.41
Ben Johnston comes to Towson from the West Shore YMCA in Pennsylvania, where Coach Adrienne Philips swam before becoming a Tiger. Ben, who is a High School All American, will provide tremendous energy to our program and will make an immediate impact in the CAA in the I.Ms. Johnston has had a decorated high school career, making the all-state team for Pennsylvania and obtaining several Junior National B cuts last season. As to why he chose Towson University: “I chose Towson because of the comfortable team atmosphere and welcoming coaching staff. I also couldn’t help but notice their track record for excellence in an out of the pool,that was more than enough to convince me that Towson is where I belong”. Ben currently is a senior at Cumberland Valley High School in PA and swims for Mike Gobrecht at WSY. His favorite athlete is snowboarder Mark McMorris.
Richard Keller Charlotte, North Carolina
Best Times:
- Fly 53.04/59.54 LCM
- 200 Fly 1:55.89
Richard Keller will head north next fall to join a deep butterfly training group for the Tigers. Keller was a member of the 2012 &2013 South Carolina Zone team and was voted Male conference Swimmer of the Year in 2012. Academically, Richard is a member of the National Honor Society, Science Honor Society, Junior Marshal’s and is currently near completion for his Eagle Scout. On why he chose Towson: “I committed to Towson because the determination and drive of the swim team was exactly what I was looking for. The coaches and team members were very friendly and I felt like a part of the Towson Family” Richard is a senior at Olympic High School in NC and swims for the Palmetto YMCA Rays under Coach Tim Conley.
Stefan Keller Hometown- Santa Rosa, CA
Best Times:
- 200 fly 1:53.71
- 100 breast 58.77
- 200 breast 2:05.18
- 400 I.M 4:05.58
- 200 I.M 1:54.55
Stefan, a U.S Junior National Qualifier, will head across the country to join the Tigers next season. Stefan will make an immediate impact in our conference and will provide versatility in many areas. Keller, a decorated high school athlete, is a North Bay League record holder in the 200 I.M, 100 breast; a north coast section finalist in 2012,2013.2014; All Empire First Team in 2012, 2013, and 2014; Pacific swimming top 10 times record holder in multiple events from 2008-2014; and was Maria Carrilo High School Swim team MVP in 2013 and 2014. Stefan also has excelled in the classroom earning North Coast Section Scholar athlete in 2012-2013, 2013-2014; and Maria Carrillo High School Summa Cum Laude Award, in 2014. As to why he chose Towson: “I chose Towson because the coaches and team are amazing and I felt so welcome there” Keller swims for the Santa Rosa Neptunes under Head Coach Dan Greaves. His favorite athlete is Tyler Clary.
Aaron Magazine Hometown- Coto de Caza, CA
Best Times:
- 500y Free: 4:40.35
- 1000y Free: 9:53.88
- 1650y Free: 16:40.48
- 1500 LCM Free: 16:44.77
Aaron joins the tigers from Coto de Caza, California. The sectional qualifier will provide much needed depth in the distance freestyle events. Last year, Aaron placed in the all-time top 10 in the 500 free in Santa Margarita Catholic High School History and was a southern section Division I qualifier. As to why he chose Towson: “I chose Towson University because of the welcoming coaching staff and swimmers, the diverse and positive community of the school itself, and the unique feeling of home as soon as I set foot on campus. Towson makes me excited for the road ahead!” Aaron is a senior at Santa Margarita Catholic HS in California and swims for the Coto Coyotes under Coach Todd Conrad. His favorite athlete is Ryan Lochte.
Jensen Morris Hometown: Wilmington, DE
Best Times:
- 100 Breast: 59.31
- 200 Breast: 2:09.92
Jensen will make the short trip down I95 from Delaware to join the Towson breaststroke group that has had tremendous success in the past. Morris, who is a Delaware 2nd Team All State and 1st Team All-Conference, brings a tremendous amount of potential to the Tigers and will look to help replace a solid core of graduating breaststrokers. As to why he chose Towson: I chose Towson for the outstanding swim program and the solid exercise science program. I feel like my work ethic will blend well with the hardworking coaches and swimmers at Towson. After watching a meet I was also very impressed with the sense of brotherhood and pride that all members of the team carried. Uproar!” Jensen is currently a senior at Mount Pleasant HS and swims under Coach Sean Dougherty at Delaware Swim Team. His favorite athlete is Floyd Mayweather.
Tyler Rhoades- Hometown: El Cajon, CA
Best times:
- 100y fly: 52.84
- 50y free: 22.32
- 100y free: 48.87
Tyler Rhoades is the third athlete that will come to Towson from the Sunshine State. Rhoades will look to help contribute to a rising sprint program for the Tigers. Tyler earned first team all-league honors last year, and will look to defend his Division I San Diego CIF championship in the 200 free relay. Rhoades is currently a GHHS and Heartland swim association record holder. In the classroom, Mr. Rhoades is a scholar athlete and on the Union Tribune all-academic team. As to why he chose Towson: I chose Towson because of its nice location, great swim team and coaching staff, and when I stepped on campus it felt like home” Tyler is currently a senior at Granite Hills High School and swims for Heartland Swim association under coach Pat Tope.
Luke Ryan- Wayne, PA
Best Times:
- 100 Backstroke 53.15
- 200 Backstroke 1:55.14
- 50 Backstroke 25.14
Luke will be heading south from the Philadelphia area to add some depth to a very strong backstroke core. The 5 time YMCA national qualifier has exceled both in and out of the pool. Ryan was a member of the 10th place 400 medley relay at the 2013 Y National Championships as well as top 20 in several different events at the 2013 and 2014 eastern Interscholastic Swimming Championships. In the classroom, Luke earned the Gordon B. Hattersly Jr. ’48 award, which is given to the varsity team with the highest academic average. As to why Luke chose Towson: “I chose Towson University for the opportunity to excel both academically and athletically. Both the team and the coaches were extremely welcoming during my recruiting trip. The coaches made it evident that they are excited for the future and I couldn’t be happier to call myself a Towson Tiger.” Ryan currently attends the prestigious Haverford Private School in Pennsylvania and swims for Upper Main Line YMCA for new head coach Lou Petta, and former head coach Glen Neufield. His favorite athlete is NFL running back Darren Sproles.
Jack Saunderson- Laurel, MD
Best Times:
- 100 Butterfly: 50.04/57.59
- 200 Butterfly: 1:49.23
- 200 free- 1:44.67
Towson swimming is excited to welcome local butterfly specialist, and Junior National Qualifier, Jack Saunderson to a deep incoming class of flyers. Jack has had a tremendous amount of success the past year in the state of Maryland, winning the 100 LCM fly at Maryland State Champs over the summer. Outside of the classroom, Jack is a part of the National Honors Society and has earned a spot on the Scholastic All-American Swim Team. As to why he chose Towson: “For its warm environment and its exceptional education”. Jack is currently a senior at Reservoir High School and swims for Columbia Aquatics under Head Coach Jeff Scrivener. His favorite athlete is Tiger Woods.
Andrew Snyder Hometown- Ossining, NY
Best Times:
- 1650 free- 16:37.83
- 500 free- 4:49.90
- 200 free- 1:46.24
Andrew Snyder is another great addition to the distance team that will look to replace a large graduating class. Snyder, who is a member of the NY All-League for Section I, is a 3 time speedo sectional qualifier. Andrew also excels outside of the pool, is a member of the National Honors Society, an eagle scout, and is an All State Trumpet player. As to why he chose Towson: “Towson is a place where I will be challenged intellectually, I feel comfortable on the campus and will have the opportunity to swim D1!” Andrew is a senior at Ossining High School and swims for Rivertown Aquatics under Head Coach Jeff McClung. His favorite athlete is Usain Bolt.