University of Massachusets Athletics
UMass Men's Swimming Welcomes Incoming Class
August 20, 2001 | Men's Swimming & Diving
Aug. 20, 2001
Amherst, Mass. - Head Men's Swimming and Diving Coach Russ Yarworth announced the addition of 12 freshmen to the 2001-02 University of Massachusetts program. The men are Garrision Beal (Suffield, Conn.), Alex Cronin (Andover, Mass.), Brandon Doane (Danvers, Mass.), Gavin Frazier (Buzzards Bay, Mass.), Glenn Ginish (Lincoln, R.I.), Andy Kurmakov (Brookline, Mass.), Ryan Matthews (Rumson, N.J.), Tim Murphy (Whittier, Calif.), Sean Osit (Acton, Mass.), Owen Scollan (Lowell, Mass.), Dylan Smith (Timmonim, Md.) and Jad Vanderheid (Annapolis, Md.). These athletes will join freshman Matthew Woodard (Waterboro, Maine), who signed a letter of intent with UMass in May, as the incoming class of 2005.
Beal is a one-year letterwinner out of Suffield High School. He received All-America consideration for his performance in the breaststroke. "Garrison has some raw talent that needs to be developed," said Yarworth. "He could help us out in the breaststroke this year."
Cronin is a three-year letterwinner out of St. John's Prepatory. He received all-state honors for both his swimming and academic performances. "Alex is one of a good crop of solid in-state recruits," said Yarworth. "He has the potential to develop into a great freestyle and backstroke specialist."
Doane is a four-year letterwinner out of Danvers High School. "Brandon is one of the top divers to come out of Massachusetts this year," noted Yarworth. "He will combine with sophomores Logan Alomar (Silver Spring, Md.) and Damian Stoy (Pocono Pines, Pa.) to give us an excellent 1-2-3 punch on the boards."
Frazier is a four-year letterwinner out of Tabor Academy. "Gavin is another in-state talent who will focus on the middle distance and backstroke events," said Yarworth.
Ginish is a four-year letterwinner out of Lincoln High School. He was a two-time Rhode Island all-state selection as a junior and senior and helped lead the Lions to three consecutive undeafeated dual meet seasons. "Glenn has the ability to score points in all distances in freestyle and swims a great 200-yard fly," said Yarworth.
Kurmakov is a four-year letterwinner out of Brookline High School. "Andy can sprint freestyle, fly and back," noted Yarworth. "His strength and experience predict a strong college career."
Matthews is a four-year letterwinner out of Rumson High School. He was the Manmath County and Shoreline Conference 200-yard freestyle champion as a senior. Matthews also received all-state and all-county honors during his high school career. "He swam well as a senior despite battling mononucleosis most of the year," said Yarworth. "He has some real potential in the middle distance freestyle events."
Murphy is a four-year letterwinner out of La Serna High School. He helped lead the Lancers to four league championships and set three league records in the 100-yard fly, 200-yard individual medley and 100-yard back. "Tim is one of the top 200-yard butterflyers in Southern California and will help turn this event into a strength for us," said Yarworth.
Osit is a four-year letterwinner out of Acton-Boxboro High School. He looks to help the Minutemen in the butterfly events this season. "Sean is a top butterflyer from Massachusetts." said Yarworth. "I expect him to really sparkle in this event for UMass."
Scollan is a four-year letterwinner out of Westford Academy. He was a five-time state champion in the 100 and 200-yard free and the 400-yard free relay. Scollan was named Westford Academy Athlete of the Year and Lowell Sun Swimmer of the Year while also receiving the All-Scholastic award from the Boston Herald and Boston Globe. "Owen is a Massachusetts state champion, a great student and has an awesome attitude," said Yarworth. "He will be a cornerstone of the Minuteman program for the next few years."
Smith is a four-year letterwinner out of Loyola Blakefield High School. "Dylan is a versatile athlete and will be a big addition to the saquad this year," said Yarworth.
Vonderheid is a four-year letterwinner out of Broadneck High School. He was team captain of the Bruins and was a two-time all-state selection as a junior and senior. "Jad is an accomplished middle distance freestyler and will do double-duty as a member of the water polo team also," said Yarworth.
Yarworth is hopefull that the addition of these athletes will help the Minutemen repeat as Atlantic 10 Champions in 2001-02. UMass opens the season in late October.