NEW COMMITS: A pair of Eagle Swim Team seniors have declared their verbal intentions to swim for the University of Delaware: Connor Bitz and Marietta Gately will join the Blue Hens as members of the class of 2023.
Connor Bitz
A native of Owings Mills, Md., Bitz completed his long course season with six best times and a third-place finish in the 200m IM at the Maryland LCM Championships. He raced seven events at Maryland Seniors in February and recorded a lifetime best at Christiansburg Sectionals in March.
Photo Courtesy: Scott Ward
When he suits up for Delaware at the start of the 2019-20 season, Bitz will join a talented training group led by Bryce Checko and Kevin Basch. The Blue Hen men finished fifth at last season’s CAA Championships.
Regarding his commitment, he said:
“I am proud to announce my verbal commitment to the University of Delaware! I am incredibly excited to continue my athletic and academic career as a Blue Hen!”
His best times include:
- 200 free – 1:47.02
- 500 free – 4:443.96
- 400 IM – 4:15.44
Marietta Gately
Hailing from Baltimore, Md., Gately was the 200m IM runner-up and placed third in the 100m breast at the Maryland LCM Championships this summer. She finaled in all six of her events at Maryland Seniors in February and recorded a pair of lifetime bests at Christiansburg Sectionals in March.
Photo Courtesy: Scott Ward
Gately will add valuable breaststroke and IM depth to the Blue Hens when she arrives on campus next fall. She currently sits just outside of scoring range at the CAA Championships but has continuously made improvements each season.
She told Swimming World:
“I am beyond excited to announce my verbal commitment to swim at the University of Delaware. It is an honor to say that I will be a part of such an amazing team with such incredible coaches. I would like to thank my family, my coaches, and my friends who have helped me throughout this long process. I cannot wait to continue both my academic and athletic careers as a Blue Hen!”
Her best times include:
- 100 breast – 1:05.35
- 200 breast – 2:23.65
- 200 IM – 2:07.50
Their head coach, Scott Ward, said:
“We are so proud that both Connor and Marietta will take their passion as high-level student-athletes to the University of Deleware. Not only will they excel during their four years but their leadership skills will also help their teammates reach higher levels of performance.”
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
Margaret Doyle Bitz
Yeah, guys! You’re going to do amazing as Blue Hens!