As graduation approaches and the collegiate swim season comes to an end, most college swimmers in the class of 2017 will turn their focus away from the pool and look forward to starting their first job or heading off to graduate school. At the Unites States Naval Academy, graduation means a little bit more for the Navy swimmers. It will mark their commissioning as Ensigns, and the beginning of their careers in service to the nation as officers of the United States Navy and Marine Corps.
This year the Naval Academy graduates ten swimmers who will report to their selected areas of service just days after tossing their covers (hats) in the air. During their four years in Annapolis, these Midshipmen won four consecutive Patriot League championships, competed at NCAAs, broke records, and beat their arch-rivals, Army. Despite that rivalry, the Navy swimmers will join their fellow service academy swimmers in defense of the United States around the globe.
Each year the Navy men’s swimming and diving team sends their seniors off with a dramatic video highlighting their years at the academy and previewing what their life will be out in the fleet. The class of 2017 saw four swimmers selected for submarine service, one pilot, one flight officer, one surface warfare officer, one supply corps officer, and two Navy SEALs.
Watch the video below to get a glimpse into what the future hold for these young men.
NAVY MEN’S SWIM AND DIVE CLASS OF 2017
| Firstie | Hometown | Navy Men’s S&D | Service Selection |
| DJ Rusiewski | Rochester, MI | Backstroke | Supply Corps |
| Ryan Bailey | Youngstown, OH | Butterfly | Submarines |
| Sam Ciocco | Walkersville, MD | Distance Freestyle | Submarines |
| Nick Falconi | Mullica Hill, NJ | Diving | Submarines |
| Eric Collins | North Augusta, S.C. | Breaststroke/IM | Submarines |
| Shane Condon | Mechanicsville, VA. | Backstroke | Surface Warfare |
| Ethan King | Collierville, TE | Backstroke/fly | Flight Officer |
| Hayes McCullagh | Charlotte, NC | Butterfly/IM | Pilot |
| Michael Bundas | Saline, MI | Sprint Freestyle | Seal |
| Marlin Brutkiewicz | Mobile, AL | Breaststroke | Seal |
Navy Men’s Swim and Dive Firstie Salute 2017 from ronmita on Vimeo.
Special thanks to Ron Mita for publishing the video.
Gentlemen:
As a retiree………”smooth seas and following winds”. Best wishes on the next chapters of your journey. You have made us proud over the last 4 years and I’m confident you’ll make us even prouder out in the fleet. Fellow citizens rest assured……..our tax dollars are well invested!
Proud of those young men!
Awesome!
Haha I’m actually sitting behind the blocks at the navy pool watching this