Courtesy: George Washington Athletics
WASHINGTON – George Washington swimming and diving head coach Brian Thomas has announced the addition of nine newcomers to the roster for the new season.
The incoming group of swimmers features seven men and a pair of women who bring national-level and international experience to bolster the Buff and Blue lineups.
The first-years are Dylan Koo(Singapore), Karol Mlynarczyk (Warsaw, Poland), Ethan Tulenko (North Huntingdon, Pa.), Anton Goswitz (Beaverton, Ore.), Marlee Rickert (Leesport, Pa.) and Ashley Khoo (Singapore), while transfers Marek Osina (East Carolina), Jacob Miller (George Mason) and Cale Blinkman (Minnesota) also join the fold.
A junior from Kromeriz, Czech Republic, Osina won three individual medals, including gold in the 200 back, at the 2020 American Athletic Conference Championships, while Miller, a junior from nearby King George, Va., was runner-up in the 50 free as a rookie at the 2019 A-10 Championships.
The newest Colonials will join a proven group that includes 15 returning All-Conference honorees (eight men, seven women). The Buff and Blue won their first-ever A-10 women’s crown a year ago, while the men placed runner-up at the conference meet following a run of three straight titles.
“Our class of 2020 is small but mighty,” said Thomas, who enters his third season leading the program. “Adding talent across the board on the men’s side should allow us to continue to push toward the top of Division I, while Marlee and Ashley fill some significant holes left by our graduating class on the women’s side.
“While this class is very talented, there’s a big gap between accumulating talent and building a culture. These student-athletes have indicated that they’re ready to work for their teammates, and that’s why we’re excited to bring them to Foggy Bottom.
“I’m proud of our staff for their efforts on the recruiting end, especially over the course of the past four months. We’re very much aware of what these athletes have endured during the pandemic, and we’re ready to welcome them to our family with open arms – can’t wait to get started.”
Men
Dylan Koo
Singapore
Anglo-Chinese School/Chinese Swimming Club
Top Times—100 Fly: :47.19; 50 Free: :19.99; 100 Free: :44.43; 200 Fly: 1:47.66 (Converted from meters)
Koo on choosing GW: “I chose George Washington University because of its diverse culture and the opportunity to major in International Affairs. I see GW as a place where I can excel in both my swimming and academics!”
Karol Mlynarczyk
Warsaw, Poland
High School No LIX Sports Championship/G-8 Bielany Warsaw
Top Times—100 Back: :46.75; 200 Back: 1:43.21; 50 Free: :20.33; 100 Free: :45.07; 200 Free: 1:37.88; 400 Free: 4:22.83 (Converted from meters)
Marek Osina
Kromeriz, Czech Republic
East Carolina University/Sportovni Gymnazium of Ludvik Danek
Top Times—100 Back: :47.31; 200 Back: 1:41.92; 200 IM: 1:45.81; 400 IM: 3:48.15; 200 Free: 1:37.55; 200 Fly: 1:47.19
Osina on choosing GW: “I’m so excited to continue my career at the George Washington University. I chose GW because of the great academics and swimming program. I can’t wait to be a member of this fantastic team! Go Colonials!!!”
Jacob Miller
King George, Va.
George Mason University/King George High School/Stafford Aquatics Team
Top Times—50 Free: :20.29; 100 Free: :44.89; 200 Free: 1:40.38
Miller on choosing GW: “I am super excited to be joining a program that has continued to support me in and out of the pool! A huge thank you to the GW coaching staff for giving me such an amazing opportunity and to the team for being so welcoming from the start. I am looking forward to joining everyone and representing George Washington University. Go Colonials!”
Ethan Tulenko
North Huntingdon, Pa.
Norwin High School/Racer X Aquatics
Top Times—50 Free: :20.67; 100 Free: :46.22; 200 Free: 1:39.56; 100 Fly: :50.28
Tulenko on choosing GW: “I chose GW for its excellence in academics as well as the amazing swim program. I am excited for what is to come and to be part of such a great team and school.”
Anton Goswitz
Beaverton, Ore.
Oregon Connections Academy/Dolphins of Portland Swimming Top Times—100 Fly: :49.49; 200 Fly: 1:49.34; 400 IM: 3:58.35
Cale Blinkman
Hudson, Wis.
University of Minnesota/Hudson High School/Saint Croix Swim Club Top Times—100 Breast: :56.93; 200 Breast: 2:04.96; 100 Back: :51.54; 50 Free: :21.59
Blinkman on choosing GW: “I chose the George Washington University because of the combination of outstanding athletics, a world-class education, an amazing team culture and a committed coaching staff. I’m super excited to represent the Buff and Blue!”
Women
Marlee Rickert
Leesport, Pa.
Schuylkill Valley High School/Reading YMCA
Top Times—100 Back: :54.68; 200 Back: 2:02.01; 50 Free: :23.27; 100 Free: :51.15; 200 Free: 1:50.89; 100 Fly: :56.72
Rickert on choosing GW: “I chose GW because of the excellent academics and welcoming environment. GW felt like home the moment I stepped onto campus, and I knew this was the place where I wanted to continue my academics/athletics. The swim and dive team is also very team-oriented, and I am looking forward to getting to work with them!”
Ashley Khoo
Singapore
Bolles School/Bolles School Sharks
Top Times—50 Free: :24.12; 100 Free: :52.26; 200 Free: 1:54.37
Khoo on choosing GW: “I am extremely excited to reach D.C. to begin training with the team and officially be a Colonial!”
