The University of Louisville men’s swimming and diving program announced the signing of seven swimmers and two divers for the class of 2020 according to head coach Arthur Albiero. The class includes Graham Barrett, Andrej Barna, Billy Cadigan, Evan Cooper, Keegan Foulke, Jarrett Jones, Sean Riley, Derek Sander, and Sam Steele.
“I believe this class has the makings to continue to further our program growth”, Head Coach Arthur Albiero commented. “They certainly will add their athletic abilities to our squad, but more importantly, they are men of great character. They fit in perfectly with our team and athletic department motto: Humble and Hungry.”
Andrej Barna – Subotica, Serbia
Best Times:
50 FR LCM: 22.94 (19.94 SCY)
100 FR LCM: 50.10 (43.73 SCY)
200 FR LCM: 1:51.98 (1:37.98 SCY)
400 FR LCM: 4:01.30 (4:29.05 SCY)
Andrej Barna will join the Cards from Serbia. He has represented his native country in multiple international Junior and Senior level competitions. In 2015, Barna was a finalist at Junior European Games in Baku, swam in the 5th Junior World Championships in Singapore and competed both individually and on relays at the 16th World Championships in Kazan, Russia.
Coach Albiero on Andrej
“Andrej impressed us from the beginning for his versatility as an athlete but more importantly for his personality and drive to compete at the highest level. We are excited to see how our partnership will help take him to new heights.”
Graham Barrett – Hingham, MA – Hingham High School
Best Times:
1650 FR: 15:24.80
400 IM: 3:58.18
500 FR: 4:32.61
Barrett hails from Hingham, MA where he attends Hingham High School and competes for Strypers of South Shore YMCA. He was the Eastern Zone Sectional champion in the 1650 freestyle and was named the South Shore YMCA Swimmer of the Year for the last two years. He is a recipient of the Patriot Ledger All-Scholastic Award in 2014 and is a four-year honor roll student.
Coach Albiero on Graham
“I am excited to watch Graham grow and mature physically during his college career. He is a talented and humble young man who will have a great opportunity to impact the future of our program.”
William Cadigan – Lutherville, MD
Best Times:
500 FR: 4:25.57 (4:00.19 LC)
1650 FR: 15:31.29 (15:54.92 LC)
400 IM: 3:53.94
1000 FR: 9:18.60
200 IM: 1:51.23
Cadigan is from Lutherville, MD and has been competing for the renowned North Baltimore Aquatic Club. He won the 1650 at the 2015 State Championships, and won Bronze medals in both of the IMs and the 500 freestyle. He is also this summer’s Junior National champion as a member of the 4×200 freestyle relay. Cadigan is homeschooled.
William on why he chose Louisville
“I chose the University of Louisville because I knew it was the best school to improve my swimming and achieve my academic goals. From the moment I stepped on campus I knew it was the right fit for me. I loved all of the coaches and the team was just great! Go Cards!”
Coach Albiero on William
“Billy has been exposed to high level training at NBAC and I believe his senior year will move him into another level of swimming.”
Evan Cooper – North Salem, IN – Tri West High School
Cooper will join the Louisville Cardinals diving program from North Salem, IN, where he attends Tri West High School. He dives for Coach Sean McCarthy and represents The Indiana International School of Diving on the club level. Cooper is his high school’s record holder on the 1M. He is a 3-Time USA Diving Junior Regional Platform Champion and a 5-Time USA Diving Junior National Championships Qualifier. He is the Senior Class President and will graduate with an Academic Honors Diploma.
Coach KZ on Evan
“Evan is a very strong and talented diver. He has vast diving experience at many levels of competitions. Evan works hard and is very determined. He will be a great addition to the team.”
Keegan Foulke – Arvada, CO – Pomona High School
Best Times:
400 IM: 3:50.49
1000 FR: 9:08.11
200 BR: 1:59.46
Foulke is from Arvada, CO where he competes for the Jeffco Hurricanes and Pomona High School. He is an Olympic Trials qualifier in the 400 IM and is a Colorado HS 5A state champion in the 200 IM. Foulke is a recipient of multiple accolades which include both individual and relay conference, state and All-American Honors. He is a team captain and an Academic All-State honoree.
Coach Albiero on Keegan
“I believe Keegan will have a significant impact on the program. He will bring fierce competitiveness combined with a humble, hard-working mentality and great versatility.”
Jarrett Jones – East Falmouth, MA – Falmouth High School
Best Times:
200 IM: 1:50.18
400 IM: 3:49.92
200 FL: 1:48.52
500 FR: 4:27.26
Jones will join the Cards from East Falmouth, MA. He swims for Cape Cod Swim Club and attends Falmouth High School. He is an Olympic Trials Qualifier in the 400-meter IM and he is the 15-18 New England age group record holder in that event. Jones is very versatile, as he holds 14 Cape Cod Swim Club open records. He is a Speedo Sectionals Champion in multiple events and a finalist at the USA Swimming Junior National Championships. On top of his swimming achievements, Jones is also an exemplary student. He is a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, a two-time USA Swimming Scholastic All-American and a National Merit Scholar.
Jarrett on why he chose Louisville
“I feel like the University of Louisville is a perfect fit for me, as it offers exactly what I’m looking for academically as well as the best chance possible to achieve greatness in swimming. The culture there is incredible, with every member of the team and coaching staff committed to working hard and performing at a high level. There’s something special going on, and I’m truly honored and excited to be a part of it! Go Cards!”
Coach Albiero on Jarrett
“Jarrett’s versatility will serve him very well in our program. The combination of his steep improvement curve recently along with a high level work ethic will make his college years exciting. We will enjoy playing a role in his development.”
Sean Riley – Pittsford, NY – Pittsford Sutherland High School
Riley comes to the Ville from of Pittsford, NY to join the Cardinals diving team. He attends Pittsford Sutherland High School and is coached by Devries Cliff. Riley is a 2015 High School All-American and a senior co-captain of the Pittsford Boys swimming and diving team. He is a NYSPHSAA Section V Champion and a NYSPHSAA State Championships finalist. Academically Riley has earned multiple Pittsford Sutherland High School Honor Roll awards, and has been a recipient of Scholastic Art and Writing Awards.
Sean on why he chose Louisville
“I chose Louisville because I felt Coach KZ Li could help me achieve my goals for my collegiate diving career. I also felt that coach Arthur and the entire swimming and diving family were very welcoming and helpful to me while making my college choice.”
Coach KZ on Sean
“Sean is a high school All-American Diver, and is a strong and talented athlete. He has competed at numerous USA Jr. National Competitions, and I believe that with his great attitude and competitiveness in both athletics and academics, he will have a huge impact on the team his freshman year.”
Derek Sander – Madison, AL
Best Times:
50 FR: 20.82
100 FR: 44.60
200 FR: 1:37.67
Derek Sander lives in Madison, AL but his family is from Louisville. He competes for Bob Jones High School, Madison Dolphins and Madison and Huntsville swimming associations. Sander is the Team Captain of the Bob Jones Swim and Dive team and the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) State Champion in 100-yard and 200-yard Freestyle in both 2014 and 2015 seasons. Sander is an exceptional student, he has been a member of the National Honors Society since 2013-2016.
Derek on why he chose Louisville
“I chose Louisville because of the superior academics and outstanding athletics department. The coaches were great and I felt confident in my future in swimming and my career. Go Cards!”
Coach Albiero on Derek
“Derek was excited about being a Cardinal from the very beginning of the recruiting process. He will bring a solid work-ethic and he will fit right in with a great group of freestylers.”
Samuel Steele – Pelham, AL – Heritage Academy
Best Times:
100 FR: 45.26 (51.96 LC)
200 FR: 1:37.69 (1:51.92 LC)
500 FR: 4:26.86 (3:58.66 LC)
200 FL: 1:49.27
Steele will add to the Cardinals form Pelham, AL where he competes for the Birmingham Swim League and Coach Mike Davidson. He is set to compete at the 2016 Olympic Team Trials in the 400 freestyle but is also very close in earning his cut for the 200 distance as well. Steele has been named BSL’s team MVP in 2015 and has received Scholastic All-America awards in both 2014 and 2015 seasons. Steele is homeschooled.
Coach Albiero on Samuel
“I believe Sam will flourish in all areas as a member of our program. He will bring great work-ethic in the pool and in the classroom. His improvement curve has been steady and college swimming will showcase his talent”
Final thoughts from Coach Albiero
“These young men are not only gifted student-athletes, but also great people,” said Albiero. “Getting to know each one of these guys throughout the recruiting process has assured us that each one is a great fit for our program, and all are eager to achieve great things in both the classroom and the pool.”
University of Louisville contributed this report.