University of Massachusets Athletics
Yarworth Signs Five For Swimming & Diving Program
November 21, 2014 | Men's Swimming & Diving
AMHERST, Mass. - Massachusetts men's swimming and diving coach Russ Yarworth signed five student-athletes to a National Letter of Intent during the recent signing period.
The class of Kellen Gray, Connar Patterson, Eric Pauls, Anthony Rizzo and Kyle Stefanides hail from three states in the Northeast and can swim all four strokes and the Individual Medley.
Gray is a two-time New Hampshire state champion in the 100 back at Exeter H.S. He holds school records in the 50 Freestyle, 100 Backstroke and 100 Butterfly and is part of a pair of relay teams that hold the state record in the 200 Medley and 400 Free Relays. The Kensington, N.H. native is ranked second in the state by CollegeSwimming.com.
"Another big, strong swimmer from New Hampshire, Kellen will lend depth and power to the backstroke events and more," Yarworth said. "He also has Junior National cuts and has the ability to be a tremendous college swimmer."
Patterson is a four-year member of the Wiannacunnet H.S. swim team and has earned four scholar-athlete awards from the school. He is a New Hampshire state champion in the 100 free, 200 free, 100 fly and 200 IM.
"Connar's versatility and speed in the IM events, backstroke and butterfly are tremendous," Yarworth said. "He already has Junior National cuts in a number of events and we are expecting great things from him."
Pauls currently swims for the Seacoast Swimming Association in Seekonk, Mass. Last season he placed in the top 6 fastest times in New England for 17-year-olds in the 100 free, 200 free, 400 free and 800 free. The Westport, Mass. native qualified for the NSCA Junior Nationals in the 200 free. He is also an Honor Roll student who was class president in 11th grade.
"Eric has the potential and the body frame to be an impact swimmer in the Atlantic 10 and beyond," Yarworth said. "We're thrilled to have him joining the program."
Rizzo is the first of two New Jersey natives set to join the Minutemen next fall. The senior at Newton H.S. has been a state finalist in the 200 IM and 500 free for the past three years. A native of Andover, N.J., he is a USA Swimming Scholastic All-America selection and a 3-time All-West Jersey First Team choice.
"Tough is the word that describes Anthony," Yarworth said. "He has Junior National cuts in both IM's and put in a great summer season to elevate himself to that level. He won't back down from any challenge in practice or competition."
Stefanides is the reigning Morris County Swimmer of the Year at Pequannock Township H.S. in Pompton Plains, N.J. He also swims for former UMass women's standout Keira Cruz (1989-92) at Lakeland Hills YMCA where he finished 12th in the 2014 National Long Course Championship and was part of three relays that claimed top 8 finishes in the YMCA national meet.
"Kyle has a beautiful feel for the water and has placed in the scoring at YMCA Nationals," Yarworth said. "As he gets stronger I fully expect great things from him in the IM, butterfly and backstroke events."