Courtesy: Milligan Athletics
MILLIGAN, Tenn. – Milligan University swim coach Spencer Scarth has announced the addition of eight new men who will join his program as commits for the upcoming 2024-2025 season. The group will look to help improve upon three straight top-five national finishes, including a program record 4th-place team finish in 2024. The Buffs have rattled off four straight Appalachian Athletic Comference (AAC) team titles, and now lead the conference in all-time titles. The Buffs have 24 returners, which will mark the biggest squad in program history.
“This is once again a very talented group that will help us continue on the trajectory we are on. Between our men’s and women’s teams, this will also be the most diverse makeup of any squad we have ever had, with eight different countries represented. Many of them will be able to make immediate impacts and help us compete for a top-three position at the national championship. Every one of these men understood and was excited to help meet that goal, and our team is pumped for them to help us have our best year yet!”.
Below is the full list of Scarth’s class for the upcoming swim season.
Morgan Roszel | Elizabethton High School | Milligan, TN
Top Events: 500 Free (4:44.53) 1650 Free (16:29.58) 200 Back (1:54.85)
Why Milligan: “I am very excited to announce my commitment to swim and study at Milligan University. I want to thank my family, coaches and teammates for helping me get this far in my swim career. The Milligan swim team and its coaches have always been so welcoming ever since I met them. I’m very excited for my future as a WaterBuff. Above all, I want to thank God for guiding my path and always being with me. Go Buffs!”
Nicholas Caporaso | TAC Titans | Wake Forest, NC
Top Events: 100 Breastroke (58.48) 200 Breastroke (2:07.85) 100 Fly (51.67)
Why Milligan: “Thank you Lord for getting me this far. I’m proud to announce my verbal commitment to swim and study at Milligan University. I want to thank the coaches and the team at Milligan for a great visit, and I’d like to thank my coaches and teammates for being so kind. Lastly, I want to thank my family and friends for the motivation to continue to the next level. Go Buffs!”
River Rockholt | Excel Aquatics | Spring Hill, TN
Top Events: 100 Free (48.26) 200 Free (1:48.24) 100 Fly (52.20)
Why Milligan: “I am incredibly excited to announce my academic and athletic commitment to Milligan University this fall. I chose Milligan because I loved the swim team culture, the atmosphere, and the tight knit community. I’d like to thank my parents, my friends, and all of my coaches and teammates at Excel Aquatics. I would also like to thank Coach Spencer Scarth for the opportunity to swim at MU. Most of all, I am thankful to GOD for health and FAITH. GO BUFFS!”
Gellert Szedlak | Vasas Swim Club | Pomaz, Hungary
Top Events: 500 Free (4:28.90) 200 Free (1:38.52) 200 Fly (1:49.73)
Why Milligan: “I am very excited to begin my journey and dream of swimming in the United States at Milligan this fall. Milligan felt like the best fit for me with small classes, outstanding academics and an amazing swim team. It is one of the top NAIA schools and I look forward to being a contributor for their team!”
Nolan Hill | Red Piranha Swimming | Johnson City, TN
Top Events: 200 Fly (1:56.52) 100 Fly (52.87) 100 Breastroke (1:00.88)
Why Milligan: “I’m very excited to announce my commitment to Milligan University. I want to thank my coaches, teammates, and family for supporting me and helping me get this far. I am very blessed that I get to spend my next 4 years as a Water Buff. GO BUFFS!!!”
Robert Adam | Municipal Sport Club | Bacau, Romania
Top Events: 100 Breastroke (56.80) 200 Breastroke (2:03.50) 200 IM (1:51.48)
Why Milligan: “The happiest and the most rewarding moment in life is when you see your dreams becoming reality. That’s why I am happy and very excited to announce my commitment to Milligan University. I want to thank coach Spencer Scarth and the whole team for giving me the chance of swimming in the US and I’m ready to contribute physically and emotionally to the development and progress of the team. Go Buffs!”
Michael Rinaldi | Swim Atlanta | Cumming, GA
Top Events: 100 Fly (49.98) 50 Free (21.28) 100 Free (47.08)
Why Milligan: “I am grateful and excited to express my commitment to both swim and academics at Milligan University. I am genuinely honored to become a part of Milligan’s swim team. Swimming has been a passion of mine for years, and I am eager to contribute my skills, dedication, and relentless spirit to the team’s success. I want to thank my family, coaches, teammates and Coach Scarth at Milligan for this incredible opportunity. I cannot wait to begin this new chapter of my life, where I will strive to make the most of every opportunity and positively contribute to the university’s legacy. Above all, thank you God for guiding me to my next home!”
Transfers
Joash Mckonie | Mars Hill University | Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Top Events: 100 Fly (49.41) 100 Free (46.12) 200 IM (1:52.09)
Why Milligan: “I’m excited to announce my commitment and start this new chapter in my life. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue my academic and athletic career at Milligan. I am ready for any new challenges and experiences that God will place me in during this time. I felt like Milligan would be a good fit and I look forward to joining an already strong team and hopefully I can contribute to its success”.
That and they have star swimmer Caleb Fry. Buffs are going to be lethal this year
Buffs to the moon!