Princeton University Athletics
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Defending EISL Champ Men's Swimming/Diving Welcomes Eight Members Into Class of 2011
August 02, 2007 | Men's Swimming and Diving
Head men's swimming and diving coach Rob Orr, who has led Princeton to consecutive EISL championships based on impressive depth, has landed another strong and versatile class. Eight incoming freshmen will join the men's program this year with hopes of bringing a third straight and 18th overall league crown to Princeton.
John Bannon (Dallas, Texas) went to Highland Park and brings great versatility to the team. He specializes in the individual medley, free and breast, and he is coming off a breakthrough season. The highlight of his senior year was winning the 4A Texas state meet with a time of 1:53.54 in the 200 IM, and with the losses of Meir Hasbani and Tim Ruse, Bannon can help fill a void in that event. He also placed second in the breast in a time of 58.91. "We hope that last season's drops will be a forecast of things to come in college," Orr said.
Pat Biggs (Wellesley, Mass.) is the younger brother of Princeton senior P.J. Biggs, and he should be an immediate contributor in the distance free events. A graduate of Wellesley, his current top times are 4:33.87 in the 500, 9:22.71 in the 1000 and 15:39.41 in the 1650. "We have been following Pat for a couple years now," Orr said. "His enthusiasm and talent will make him a valuable addition to the Tigers next season.
Geoffrey Faux (Atlanta, Ga.) went to The Westminster Schools in Atlanta, Ga. He is a sprint free specialist, and he is coming off a season in which he claimed both the 50 and 100 free championships in the Georgia state high school meet. His top times in the events are 20.96 in the 50 and 45.85 in the 100. "Geoff comes to Princeton with a lot of potential," Orr said, "and he is one of three solid sprinters joining the Class of 2011."
Peter Fellowes (Pepper Pike, Ohio) is another sprinter, and he also competes in the back events. Fellowes spent much of his senior season at Orange High School dealing with an injury, but he still managed top times of 46.93 in the 100 free and 52.60 in the 100 back. "With this injury behind him, we are excited to see what he can do during the upcoming season," Orr said.
Colin Hanna (Oakland, Calif.) is another of the extremely versatile and talented athletes that has made Princeton tough to beat in recent years. A graduate of The College Preparatory School, Hanna could compete for Princeton next season in the back, free and IM events. His top times include 4:32.30 in the 500 free, 1:51.80 in the 200 IM, 4:00.70 in the 400 IM and 1:51.50 in the 200 back. "Colin saw some significant improvements during his senior season," Orr said, "and we are fortunate to have him as part of P '11."
Tristan Hastings (Lincolndale, N.Y.) graduated from Somers and was part of the same club as former Orange and Black standout Andrew Chadeayne '01. A versatile competitor, he could be a contributor in the back and IM this season. "I'm hopeful Tristan will have some solid performances in a new, different environment this season," Orr said.
Brett Lullo (Naperville, Ill.) went to Naperville Central, where he competed in a wide range of events. He specializes in the butterfly, free and IM, and he could contribute immediately in any or all of those events for the Tigers. His top times include 49.57 in the 100 fly, 1:50.90 in the 200 fly, 1:50.57 in the 200 IM, 4:01.40 in the 400 IM and 1:41.30 in the 200 free. "Brett comes to Princeton as one of the most talented incoming freshmen in the Ivy League," Orr said, "and we're extremely excited to see what he can do next year."
Alex Verdegem (LaVerne, Calif.) is a sprint free specialist who competed for Damien High School. A longtime water polo competitor, he only recently began focusing year-round on swimming. His top times are 20.84 in the 50 free, 46.27 in the 100 free and 52.61 in the 100 back. "Alex didn't focus on swimming full-time until his senior year of high school," Orr said. "We're excited to see what he can do in a more serious environment."