(LEBANON, Ill., Dec. 8)—McKendree University swimming and diving head coach Jimmy Tierney has announced the program’s first-ever signee with the addition of Sydney Rey from Columbia High School.
Rey, a specialist in the 100 and 200 backstroke, joined the Bearcats’ program during the November early signing period. McKendree will compete in swimming and diving for the first time during the 2016-17 academic year.
“I am thrilled to announce our first-ever swimming signee in Sydney Rey of nearby Columbia, Ill.,” said Tierney. “This is a momentous day for both McKendree athletics and the McKendree swimming and diving program. I cannot think of a more outstanding young lady to start this ball rolling on the first step of building a championship swimming and diving program at McKendree. Sydney possesses a vast array of talents that will benefit both the swimming team and University for years to come. Even though this is just the first step for our programs, it is a tremendously exciting day for the Bearcats!”
Rey comes to McKendree after a successful career at Columbia. She was a sectional and state qualifier for the Eagles in the 100 backstroke as a senior. Rey posted a personal best of 58.95 seconds in the 100 backstroke.
In addition to her high school accomplishments, Rey was also a U.S.A. sectional qualifier and a member of the NCSA Junior National Relay Team. At the club level, Rey competed for the Flyers Aquatic Swim Team, where she twice earned the program’s Hardest Worker Award and collected a Most Improved Award as well.
The McKendree University swimming and diving program will compete as members of the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) in NCAA Division II next year. The Bearcats’ home meets will be held at the McKendree Metro Rec Plex, a new facility under construction in O’Fallon, Ill., that will serve as the home for the University’s swimming and diving teams, water polo programs and ice hockey squads.
Swimming news courtesy of McKendree Swimming & Diving.
