Bucknell Swim & Dive Welcomes 18 Newcomers

LEWISBURG, Pa. – Head coach Dan Schinnerer announced Wednesday that 18 newcomers have joined the Bucknell swimming & diving program.

The women's team will welcome seven incoming first years. The men's squad will have 11 student-athletes in its class of 2026. Every stroke group is represented on each team, with the men's squad also adding two divers.

The women team's seven newcomers hail from seven different states: California, Connecticut, Maryland, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

"We are very excited about the women joining our team," Schinnerer said. "During this recruiting cycle, we intentionally targeted a smaller class size because of where our roster numbers stood. That said, we wanted a very impactful class, and this certainly has the potential to be one. All these women come into our program with times that are at a scoring level in the Patriot League."

Eight different states are represented by the men's squad's incoming class: Connecticut (2), New York (2), Pennsylvania (2), California, Florida, Maryland, Texas and Virginia.

"This group of men brings depth and balance to our team," Schinnerer said. "We knew going into this recruiting cycle that we had the ability to bring in a larger class than usual so we wanted to address several specific needs with it. With a large senior class graduating, we have big shoes to fill. This group will definitely help in that process. In addition to its quality, it will help our team with depth in the distance, backstroke and diving events."

Last season, the Bison women finished second at the Patriot League Championships and went 9-1 (7-1 PL) in dual meet competition. Notably, the class of 2022 graduated having gone a remarkable 30-3 (23-3 PL) in dual meets, its only losses coming to defending Patriot League champion Navy. The class of 2022 also helped Bucknell finish as the runner-up at two of the three Patriot League Championships contested during its time in Lewisburg.

In 2022-23, the Bison will bring back five All-Patriot League performers: Catherine Craig, Sophia Donati, Abby Doss, Esme Hunter and Sabrina Vumbacco. They will need to replace eight-time Patriot League individual medalist Maddie Hartigan, who also graduated with school records in four of the six freestyle races. Notably, Hartigan also earned the Christy Mathewson Award as the Bucknell class of 2022's top female athlete.

During the 2021-22 campaign, the Bucknell men placed second at the ECAC Championships and third at the Patriot League Championships; they also went 7-3 (6-2 PL) in dual meet competition. At the Patriot League Championships, they broke a staggering 11 school records over the course of the four-day event, helping Schinnerer earn his third career Patriot League Men's Coach of the Year nod.

For this season, the Bison will return six of their eight 2022 All-Patriot League selections: Justin DiSanto, Andy Dorsel, Chris Fabian, John Gehrig, Chris Kopac and Leo Kuyl. That group includes all of their record four First Team honorees: Dorsel, Fabian, Gehrig and Kopac.

Braden Beagle
Backstroke/IM, La Cañada Flintridge, Calif., La Cañada

Before Bucknell: Swam for La Cañada High School …. helped the Spartans win a CIF Division 2 Championship … served as team captain … also competed for Rose Bowl Aquatics, helping the program win 2019 and 2021 winter junior national titles.

Personal: Braden Rosser Beagle … born September 8, 2003 in San Jose, California … son of Bruce and Lori Beagle … has a twin brother: Garrett.
Braden Beagle

Hanna Bingley
Breaststroke, Rockville, Md., Walter Johnson

Before Bucknell: Swam for Walter Johnson High School … won a state title in the 100 breaststroke … took third at the state championships in the 200 IM … graduated with Walter Johnson's record in the 100 breaststroke … helped the Wildcats win state, regional and division championships … made the All-Met Second Team and the All-MCPS Team … selected as a PVS Scholar-Athlete … also competed for Rockville Montgomery Swim Club … finished in the top eight at the long-course Future Championship to earn All-America status.

Personal: Hanna Ashlin Bingley … born December 8, 2003 in Rockville, Maryland … daughter of Chris and Tara Bingley … has two younger siblings: Maia and Owen … mother swam for Gettysburg College … enjoys downhill mountain biking.
Hanna Bingley

Nikita Bityutskiy
Freestyle/Butterfly/IM, Silver Spring, Md., Montgomery Blair

Before Bucknell: Swam for Montgomery Blair High School … helped the Blazers win the 2022 MCPS Division 2 state title and two MPSSAA regional crowns (2022 & 2020) … in 2022, was the team's top 500 freestyle swimmer (4:45.87) and 100 butterfly swimmer (53.06) … as a senior, was the second-fastest 100 butterfly swimmer and third-fastest 500 freestyle swimmer at the Division 2 state level … also ranked in the state's overall top nine in the 500 freestyle and overall top 11 in the 100 butterfly … served as team captain … also competed for Rockville Montgomery Swim Club … posted a Futures Championships cut time in the 200 butterfly and Junior National cut times in the 200 backstroke and 200 butterfly.

Personal: Nikita Dmitrievich Bityutskiy … born October 9, 2003 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan … son of Dmitriy and Olga Bityutskiy … has a younger brother: Ivan.
Nikita Bityutskiy

Jennifer Bolden
Freestyle, Mechanicsburg, Pa., Cumberland Valley

Before Bucknell: Swam for Cumberland Valley High School … took fifth in the 100 and 200 freestyles at the state championships … four-year state qualifier … four-year district and Mid Penn Conference qualifier … graduated with a Mid Penn Conference record in the 100 freestyle … graduated with school records in the 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle, 200 freestyle, 200 medley relay and 400 freestyle relay … graduated with Midcap 15+ records in the 50 freestyle and 100 freestyle … Academic All-American … helped the Eagles finish as the 2022 Mid Penn runners-up … served as team captain … also competed for the Cumberland Valley Aquatic Club … Middle Atlantic Junior Olympic, Senior Champs, Sectional and Futures qualifier … 2022 Soaring Eagle Award recipient … left program with 15-18 records in the 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle and 200 freestyle.

Personal: Jennifer Lynne Bolden … born May 2, 2004 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania … daughter of Tim and Elizabeth Bolden … has an older sister, Carolyn, who is a member of Millersville University's swimming & diving team's class of 2024 … mother swam for Washington University in St. Louis … member of the Cumberland Valley Key Club … member of the Cumberland Valley National Honor Society … member of the CV Pad Project, a local effort to end period stigma and empower women by providing access to menstrual products … volunteers with Keystone Human Service/Susquehanna Service Dogs, a nonprofit that raises dogs to be service animals for people with disabilities.
Jennifer Bolden

Alex Crossing
Freestyle/Butterfly/IM, Victor, N.Y., Victor

Before Bucknell: Swam for Victor Senior High School … won a state title in the 500 freestyle … graduated with school record in that event … also competed for the Victor Swim Club … qualified for Junior Nationals in the 500 and 1,650 freestyles.

Personal: Alexander Joseph Crossing … born June 10, 2004 in Rochester, New York … son of Brendon and Christin Crossing … has two younger sisters: Natalie and Mackenzie.
Alex Crossing

Emma Feld
Backstroke/IM, New York, N.Y., Churchill School

Before Bucknell: Swam for Asphalt Green Unified Aquatics … member of program's national team for four years … set club team's 100 backstroke record … four-time Scholastic All-American … swam the long-course 200 backstroke in 2:17.68 at the summer junior nationals … swam the short-course 200 backstroke in 2:00.12 at the winter junior nationals.

Personal: Emma Filomena Feld … born June 13, 2004 in New York City … daughter of Anthony Feld and Colette Vogell … has one younger sister: Tessa … father played baseball at the University of Pennsylvania and is in its Athletics Hall of Fame.
Emma Feld

Chase Ferguson
Backstroke, Friendswood, Texas, Lutheran South Academy

Before Bucknell: Swam for Lutheran South Academy … TAPPS All-State First Team in the backstroke (2022) … two-time TAPPS All-State Second Team in the freestyle (2022 & 2020) … TAPPS All-State Third Team in the backstroke (2019) … member of TAPPS All-State First Team medley and freestyle relay teams (2022 & 2020) … earned All-State First Team and Academic All-State honors from TISCA … helped the Pioneers win two TAPPS state championships (2022 & 2020) … clocked personal-best times of 51.60 in the 100 backstroke and 1:52.22 in the 200 backstroke … NISCA All-American … Academic All-American … two-time VYPE/KPRC Channel 2 Sports News Houston High School Swimmer of the Year (2022 & 2020) … earned team's Most Valuable Player Award and Pioneer Award for Best Teammate and Character in 2020 … ran on the track & field team … also competed for Sharks Swim Club and was a fixture on its national team … two-time NCSA Junior National qualifier in the freestyle and backstroke (2022 & 2021) … 2022 Futures National qualifier in the backstroke … three-time Southern Senior Zones finalist in the freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and IM (2022, 2021 & 2020) … Gulf Swimming (LSC) student-athlete representative.

Personal: Chase Matthew Ferguson … born May 18, 2003 in Nassau Bay, Texas … son of Ken and Jennifer Ferguson … has two younger siblings: Lauren and Landry … father played football at the University of Pittsburgh … great grandfather, Dewitt Weaver Sr., played football at the University of Tennessee and served as the head coach at Texas Tech University … grandfather, Ken Ferguson Sr., played football at the University of Texas … uncle, Dewitt Weaver Jr., played golf at Southern Methodist University and on the PGA and Senior Tours … music composer and keyboard player for high school's worship band … loves to fish and hike.
Chase Ferguson

Claire Kehley
Freestyle, Trumbull, Conn., Lauralton Hall

Before Bucknell: Swam for Academy of Our Lady of Mercy, Lauralton Hall … won Class S state titles in the 200 freestyle (2019 & 2018) and the 500 freestyle (2021, 2019 & 2018) … finished second at the 2021 Class S state championships in the 200 freestyle … helped the Crusaders finish as the 2022 Class S state and SCC runners-up … at the open state championships, took second in the 200 freestyle (2021), third in the 200 freestyle (2019) and third in the 500 freestyle (2021 & 2018) … made nine all-state, five all-conference and four all-area teams … served as team captain … also competed for the Westport Weston Family YMCA Water Rat Swim Team … finished second at the YMCA Short-Course Nationals in the 1,650 freestyle (16:48.50) … left program with the 13-14 1,000 freestyle record.

Personal: Claire Ellen Kehley … born January 13, 2004 in Ridgewood, New Jersey … daughter of Todd and Jennifer Kehley … has two younger siblings: Audrey and Natalie … father played football at Colgate University … loves to read.
Claire Kehley

Kyla Kelly
Backstroke/IM, Danville, Calif., Monte Vista

Before Bucknell: Swam for Monte Vista High School … 2019 North Coast sectional finalist and CIF state qualifier in the 100 backstroke and 200 IM … finished in the CIF's top 10 in the 100 freestyle, 100 backstroke and 200 IM in 2019 … earned 2019 All-America status based on fifth-place performance by the 500-freestyle team that placed fifth at the CIF state championships … helped the Mustangs win 2019 North Coast sectional and East Bay Athletic League titles … graduated with a school record in the 400 freestyle relay … also compete for San Ramon Valley Aquatics … three-time Swimmer of the Year (2019, 2018 & 2017) … 2020 Speedo sectionals finalist in the 200 freestyle, 200 backstroke, 200 IM and 400 IM … Futures qualifier in the 200 freestyle, 100 backstroke, 200 backstroke, 200 IM and 400 IM … left program with records in the 100 backstroke (13-14 & 15-16 age groups) and 200 backstroke (15-16 age group).

Personal: Kyla Faith Kelly … born February 6, 2004 in Newport Beach, California … daughter of Patrick and Laarni Kelly … has a younger sister: McKenna … father played football at Stanford University.
Kyle Kelly

Jack Krug
Diving, New Canaan, Conn., New Canaan

Before Bucknell: Dove for New Canaan High School … helped the Rams win two state Class L titles … posted a personal-best score of 506 points over 11 dives … awarded team's King of the Mountain Award as a junior and senior for scoring the most points … played on varsity lacrosse team for two years … also competed for Whirlwind Diving.

Personal: Jack Thatcher Krug … born June 5, 2004 in Stamford, Connecticut … son of Rick and Kim Krug … has an older sibling: Reilly … relative Kelly Armstrong graduated from Bucknell in 2016.
Jack Kurg

Megan Leyden
Butterfly/Sprint Freestyle, Bedford, N.H., Bedford

Before Bucknell: Swam for Bedford High School … was a six-time state champion … won state titles in the 100 freestyle, 100 breaststroke, 100 butterfly and 200 IM … helped the Bulldogs win two state championships (2022 & 2021) and go undefeated over four years of dual meets … graduated with state records in the 100 butterfly, 200 medley relay and 200 freestyle relay … graduated with school records in the 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle, 100 breaststroke, 100 butterfly, 200 IM, 200 medley relay and 200 freestyle relay … 2021 All-American in the 100 butterfly … two-time USA Swimming Scholastic All-American (2021 & 2020) … New Hampshire honoree for the USA Today Sports Award … two-time Recipient of the Bedford Bulldog Award … served as team captain as a senior … ran on cross country team … also competed for Executive Swim Club, which was ranked in New England's top 10 since 2014 … won NHSA state titles in the 50 freestyle, 100 butterfly and 200 IM … broke the NHSA state record in the 100 butterfly.

Personal: Megan Elizabeth Leyden … born February 25, 2004 in Boston, Massachusetts … daughter of Mark and Michele Leyden … has an older sister, Sydney, who is a member Assumption University's swimming & diving team's class of 2023 … mother swam for Providence College and was inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame in 2019 … member of the National Honor Society and the National Art Honor Society.
Megan Leyden

Matt Raudabaugh
Breaststroke, Carlisle, Pa., Big Spring

Before Bucknell: Swam for Big Spring High School … was a two-time PIAA AA state champion in the 100 breaststroke (2022 & 2021) … became the third Big Spring student-athlete to win two PIAA gold medals … four-time state qualifier … graduated with a PIAA District III AA meet record in the 100 breaststroke (56.22) … graduated with school records in the 100 breaststroke (55.77) and 100 butterfly (51.76) … graduated with a Boiling Springs High School pool record in the 100 breaststroke (59.83) and a Central York High School pool record in the 100 breaststroke (57.66) … two-time district champion in the 100 breaststroke (2022 & 2021) … two-time district runner-up in the 100 breaststroke (2020 & 2019) … went second in the 100 butterfly at the 2022 district meet … member of the 2021 district runner-up 200 medley relay team and the 2022 district runner-up 400 freestyle relay team … four-year team points leader … four-year team MVP … three-year team captain … made the 2022 All-State Team in the 100 breaststroke, 100 butterfly, 200 medley relay (honorable mention) and 400 freestyle relay (honorable mention) … made the 2021 All-State Team in the 100 breaststroke, 200 IM (honorable mention), 200 medley relay (honorable mention) and 400 freestyle relay (honorable mention) … made the 2019 All-State team in the 100 breaststroke (honorable mention) … posted a 2022 All-America qualifying time in the 100 breaststroke … four-time All-Sentinel First Team … two-time Sentinel Swimmer of the Year (2022 & 2021) … two-time PennLive All-Star First-Team … 2022 PennLive Swimmer of the Year … 2022 John Travers Award finalist … eight-time Valley Times Star Athlete of the Week … WGAL News 8 Athlete of the Week … played soccer and competed on track & field team … also competed for the Big Spring Aquatic Club … set 10 15-18 individual records and five 14 and under individual standards … seven-time Aquatic Club MVP based on points scored.

Personal: Matthew William Raudabaugh … born February 12, 2004 in Carlisle, Pennsylvania … son of Mike and Tricia Raudabaugh … has two older siblings: Amanda and Michael … Amanda competed on Shippensburg University's track & field team, qualifying for the NCAA Championships in the 400-meter run as a senior … attained the rank of Eagle Scout … certified lifeguard.
Matt Raudabaugh

William Shoemaker
Freestyle, Sarasota, Fla., Sarasota

Before Bucknell: Swam for Sarasota High School … 2021 state qualifier in the 500 freestyle … regional and district champion … helped the Sailors win the 2021 4A state title, the 2020 3A state crown and three regional and district championships (2021, 2020 & 2019) … Sarasota went undefeated in both 2021 and 2020 … served as team captain as a senior … also competed for the Sarasota Tsunami Swim Team.

Personal: William Bradshaw Shoemaker … born February 24, 2004 in Gainesville, Florida … son of Brad and Colleen Shoemaker … has five siblings: Connor, Henry, Caroline, Charles and Bradshaw.
William Shoemaker

Seth Spector
Backstroke, Horsham, Pa., William Penn Charter

Before Bucknell: Swam for the William Penn Charter School … helped the Quakers finish in the top 10 at the Eastern Interscholastic Swimming Championship … also competed for the Penn Charter Aquatic Club and Central Bucks Swim Team.

Personal: Seth Brent Spector … born December 31, 2003 in Abington, Pennsylvania … son of Larry and Wendy Spector … has an older brother: Matthew … father swam for the University of Delaware … senior leader of high school's Food Security Club, which works to educate and assist its local community in issues surrounding food instability … led canned food drives … completed gene therapy research at the University of Pennsylvania while in high school and aspires to continue to do so at Bucknell.
Seth Spector

Ava Stallmeyer
Breaststroke, Cincinnati, Ohio, Walnut Hills

Before Bucknell: Swam for Walnut Hills High School … four-year state qualifier … four-time All-ECC First Team selection … as a senior, helped the Eagles win an ECC title and finish as the district runners-up … graduated with school records in the 100 breaststroke, 200 medley relay and 400 freestyle relay … served as team captain … also swam for the Cincinnati Marlins.

Personal: Ava Marie Stallmeyer … born June 15, 2004 in Cincinnati, Ohio … daughter of Ryan and Heather Stallmeyer … has a younger brother: Max … father and uncle, Mike Stallmeyer, played football at Duke University … played cello in orchestra … enjoys adventurous activities such as paragliding and via ferrata.
Ava Stallmeyer

Sam Sweetser
Freestyle, Richmond, Va., Deep Run

Before Bucknell: Swam for Deep Run High School … graduated with school records in the 200 and 400 freestyle relays … named team's 2022 MVP … nominated for school's 2022 Athlete Scholar of the Year award … also competed for NOVA of Virginia Aquatics … NCSA qualifier … named the 2020 most improved 15-16 boy … helped team win VSI senior long-course and short-course (2019-2022) and NCSA combined team short-course (2021) titles … helped team finish as the NCSA combined team long-course runner-up (2021).

Personal: Samuel W. Sweetser … born March 4, 2004 in Loudoun County, Virginia … son of Seth and Tiffany Sweetser … has two younger siblings: Luke and Sutton … father played golf at the College of William & Mary … grandfather, Skip Sweetser, was a member of the United States Naval Academy's crew team and competed in the 1960 Olympics … uncle, Warren Sweetser, played football at the University of North Carolina … aunt, Janice Linaugh, swam at Harvard University … cousin, Ally Connors, was a member of the rowing team at Lehigh University … cousin, Claire Linaugh, is a member of the Bucknell class of 2023.
Sam Sweetser

Jackson Vinarub
Diving, Washingtonville, N.Y., Washingtonville

Before Bucknell: Dove for Washingtonville Senior High School … four-time state qualifier … two-time section and three-time county champion … graduated with a school-record score of 531.45 … first qualified for the state championships in eighth grade … helped the Wizards win one county, one section and two conference titles … served as team captain … also competed for High Dive Champions … qualified for regional meet.

Personal: Jackson Raphael Vinarub … born June 22, 2004 in Boston, Massachusetts … son of Jordan and Deborah Vinarub … has two younger siblings: Julia and Owen … father dove at Amherst College.
Jackson Vinarub

Shane Wynne
Backstroke/Butterfly/IM, Cheshire, Conn., Cheshire

Before Bucknell: Swam for Cheshire High School … made all-state and all-SCC teams … graduated with multiple school records … was an SCC runner-up … on the club team circuit, competed at junior nationals … reached the junior national finals.

Personal: Shane Connors Wynne … born April 8, 2004 in New Haven, Connecticut … dson of Bill and Michelle Wynne … has two older siblings: Moira and Will … Will swam at Trinity College.
Shane Wynne

Players Mentioned

Catherine Craig

Justin DiSanto

Sophia Donati

Andy Dorsel

Abby Doss

Chris Fabian

John Gehrig

Maddie Hartigan

Esme Hunter

Chris Kopac

Leo Kuyl

Sabrina Vumbacco

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