MILO Sports

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

GRADUATION PHOTOS

Saturday, December 09, 2017

Duterte: Economic growth possible only with peace

By Argyll Cyrus Geducos

President Duterte expressed confidence that the country would be able to attain economic growth, especially in the countryside, if there is peace and order in the land.

Duterte claimed the Philippines is still a safe place for investors and tourists alike but called for unity to achieve the country’s economic target.

The President, in a speech in Clark, Pampanga, assured that with the people cooperating with the government, attaining economic growth will not be a difficult task.

“Let me reiterate that the Philippines remains a safe place for visitors and continues to be a conducive investment destination. Rest assured that we are undertaking measures to encourage travelers to come here so they can have a more fun and exciting experience in the country,” he said in a speech in Clark, Pampanga.

“I ask each of you to join me in spurring economic growth and fostering unity and solidarity. Let us show to the world what the Philippines has to offer — our world-class hospitality, sumptuous food and unique heritage,” he added.

However, for this to fully materialize, Duterte highlighted the importance of having peace and order, especially in the provinces, following the collapse of the peace talks with the communist rebels.

“I will improve the economy. But first of all, I hold it as an article of faith that no progress or development can ever really hold even — lalo na sa (especially in the) countryside if there is no peace at all,” the President said.

Duterte said he wants to improve the country’s agriculture sector, the industry he claimed to be lagging behind. However he said that first there has to be peace in the area.

“We have to improve the manufacturing side of the agricultural sector. That is the only way how we can improve things. But we have to have law or peace there,” he said.

Duterte also took swipe at the communist rebels anew who kept on collecting revolutionary taxes from companies and establishments.

“Eh itong mga komunista left and right ang hingi eh. Iyong bagong pumapasok diyan (But the communists there keep on extorting. Even the new ones), they start to extort,” he said.

“And they say that they are helping the Filipinos for what? Subsidizing what? How many members of the politburo are there? The central committee,” he added.

According to Duterte, he pities the youth who follow the ideologies of the Left, saying it contributed nothing to the society.

“‘Yung mga bata nagpapakamatay ito (The children are willing to die) for the belief or the ideals or the ideologues na wala naman talagang ma-contribute (that were not really able to contribute anything),” he said.

“It’s too late in the day to introduce even the simplest form of socialism. The Filipinos will never be ready for it. Wala talaga tayong magawa (There’s nothing we can do about it),” he added.

Duterte officially terminated the peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) last week by signing Proclamation No. 360.

However, Duterte stated that there may still be chance for the peace talks to be revived but not in the near future.

Duterte belts out ‘Ikaw’ in DOLE Malolos rites

By Argyll Cyrus Geducos

Known for deviating from the normal flow of the program, President Duterte once again pleasantly surprised his audience when he spontaneously serenaded them with his favorite song ‘Ikaw’.

‘Ikaw’ is a Filipino love song which tells the singer’s undying love is their significant other, whom the singer described as God’s gift. In the song, the singer tells their partner that they are the reason for living and for looking forward to tomorrow.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and singer Jonalyn Viray serenade the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE’s) officials and employees and Bulakenyos with their duet of “Ikaw”, while (L-R) Senator Joel Villanueva, DOLE Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III, Special Assistant to the President Bong Go and Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado listen intently during the agency’s 84th Founding Anniversary held at the Capitol Gymnasium, City of Malolos, Bulacan last Friday night, December 8, 2017. (Freddie C. Velez / MANILA BULLETIN)

The musical number happened during the 84th anniversary celebration of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Malolos City Friday evening.

After leading the distribution of checks from DOLE for livelihood grants, Duterte was supposed to be entertained by singer Jona Viray who sang his favorite song ‘Ikaw’.

However, as the lady singer reached the second verse of the song, Duterte stood up, looked for a microphone, and joined Viray in serenading the audience.

Viray, as the song closed, allowed Duterte to sing the song’s last note as the President seemed to have enjoyed singing it.

It has been known that ‘Ikaw’ has been the favorite song of the President. He has been singing the song when he gives speeches before the Filipino communities abroad.

He also sang the song on other occasions, even in an interview with GMA-7 news icon Jessica Soho when he won the Presidency. Duterte also sang the song during a Davao media night.

Only last month, Duterte sang the song during the special gala dinner for the 50th anniversary celebration of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) which he chaired this year.

According to Peace Process Adviser Jess Dureza, Duterte sang the song with Filipino singer and actress Pilita Corrales upon the request of United States President Donald Trump.

Dureza said that Trump asked Duterte to sing when he heard the Philippine President humming the tune.

Trump also teased his friend Duterte about his singing during the bilateral meeting which took place the morning after.

“The Filipino performers were great. But the greatest performer was him,” Trump reportedly said, referring to Duterte.

Duterte responded by telling Trump to practice singing, too, so they could sing a duet in the future.

According to Dureza, Trump responded with, “Great idea. I’ll do that.”

Friday, December 08, 2017

Amid 'dead city' warning, Poe calls for Manila decongestion

Sen. Grace Poe on Friday called for the development of outlying provinces to decongest Metro Manila following President Rodrigo Duterte's warning that the Philippine capital will become a "dead city" in 25 years.

Poe, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Public Services, said the Philippines should look at how cities such as Rome, Tokyo, London, and New York have adapted to change.

"To achieve this, we should seriously consider and push for outward development to decongest Metro Manila for the medium to long term, but right now we have to jumpstart that initiative," she said in a statement.

READ: Duterte: Manila will be a ‘dead city’ in 25 years

She also renewed her call for the President to certify as urgent the pending emergency powers bill, which seeks to speed up the implementation of transportation projects in the country to address monstrous traffic in urban areas.

"For this, political will is needed and the emergency powers could come in handy if only the President would certify this as urgent," she said.

The measure remains pending in the Senate.

The senator pinned her hopes on government's ambitious "Build, Build, Build" infrastructure program, saying this could lead to a "marked improvement" in the metro.

Among projects under Duterte’s “Build, Build, Build” program are the Mega Manila Subway, which is partly funded by Japan, the Mindanao Railway Project, Malolos-Clark Railway Project, the LRT-1 North Extension Project, and the expansion of the Clark International Airport.

Robredo slams Tugade for not allocating budget for Naga airport

NAGA CITY, Philippines (Bicol Standard) – Vice President Leni Robredo lashed at the Department of Transportation this morning for not including the Naga Airport in the 2017 and 2018 budget, including a new airport that will be constructed in San Jose, Camarines Sur.

“We have been trying to communicate with Secretary Tugade for weeks, but have not been able to secure an appointment to discuss the matter,” Robredo stressed.

In a press conference here this morning, Robredo blasted what she called a “surreptitious” planning of the San Jose Airport that did not go through the proper procedure of being studied the Regional Development Council (RDC) and the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA).

She explained that in 2013, the DOTC commissioned a feasibility study to examine the improvement of the Naga Airport located in San Jose, Pili, Camarines Sur.

Among the seven options examined in the study were: (1) the relocation of the Naga Airport to Libmanan, Camarines Sur, (2) the relocation of the Naga Airport to Ocampo, Camarines Sur, (3) the relocation of the Naga Airport to San Jose, Camarines Sur, (4) North South reorientation of the existing Naga Airport, (5) Southeast Northwest Reorientation of Naga Airport, (6) extension of the Naga Airport and (7) an upgrade of the Naga Airport.

The feasibility study recommended option 5, the Southeast Northwest Reorientation of Naga Airport.

She added that the study emphasized that there should only be one airport in Camarines Sur “so that the full benefits would be reaped,” she said.

The same was submitted to the RDC and the NEDA. In 2015, the Naga Airport reorientation got an allocation of P670 million, and in 2016, P1 billion.

To her surprise, however, Robredo said there was no more budget in 2017 and 2018 for the Naga Airport, and instead there is budget for an airport in San Jose, Camarines Sur.

“Two airports only forty minutes apart would not be beneficial for the province,” she said. “It doesn’t make sense.”

Robredo said she wanted to ask Tugade if the Naga Airport project would be discontinued due to this new development.

“Unfortunately, our attempts to secure an appointment with him have been proving futile for the past few weeks,” she said.

Robredo added that Catanduanes solon and chair of the House Committee on Transportation Cesar Sarmiento was also surprised by the report.

PNR

Meanwhile, Robredo declared that the recent Philippine National Railways forum in which former Undersecretary for Rails Cesar Chavez was present left more questions than answers.

Among these was why the option of Official Development Assistance (ODA) was selected over PPP Public-Private Partnership (PPP).

In her opinion, PPP would be the more advantageous choice, as it means the government would not spend for the project, instead of borrowing from a foreign entity.

She also did not understand why China was chosen as such foreign partner when it offered a higher interest of 2 percent over Japan’s 0.5 percent.

Another forum, she said, would possibly shed light on these issues.

Joint statement

Camarines Sur 3rd District Rep. Gabriel Bordado, who was seated next to Robredo during the press conference, urged the local government units, Naga City and Camarines Sur Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and the media, to come up with a joint statement to appeal to the authorities to seek answers on why the PNR and the Naga Airport are not given the due attention they deserve.

He also expressed his disappointment at Tugade, who according to him has not been honoring their requests for a chance to discuss the important issues.

Thursday, December 07, 2017

Enchong Dee for speedo fastskin FS-PRO

Anj Dee for arena aile-bleue ARN-6002W and ARN-6004W GRN

Anj Dee

Catch Maria Angelika "Anj" Dee for arena alie-bleue ARN-6002W and ARN-6004W GRN!

She is the brother of former DLSU Green Tanker, and now actor Enchong Dee!

arena ARN-4091-BLK swimcap

arena AGL-1400-EMBL swimcap

2011 Nike De La Salle Tee (White)

arena alie-bleue ARN-6004W GRN

arena alie-bleue ARN-6002W GRN

Tuesday, December 05, 2017

GATORS INK 23 SIGNEES DURING EARLY SIGNING PERIOD

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Florida Gators added 19 swimmers and four divers to the incoming class of 2018 after the early signing period. The men's squad will add 13 newcomers, while the women's team adds 10.

Gators head coach Gregg Troy applauded the efforts of his coaching staff on bringing in such strong classes on both the men's and women's teams.

"We had a tremendous last three months of recruiting," said Troy. "Anthony Nesty and Steve Jungbluth did a fantastic job organizing everything on the men's side, where we signed some really great guys. On the women's side, Jeff Poppell has worked tirelessly in the last year. This may be one of the best women's classes we've ever had at Florida."

This class brings a plethora of experience, both on the national front and internationally. There are numerous championship medalists and record holders joining the Gators in the fall.

"We're losing a lot of great people on the men's side this year, but the incoming class has the potential to be just as good," said Troy.

"On the women's side, we've been a bit weaker of the past couple of years," Troy said. "This class, paired with the people we already have, is going to put us in a good situation. The new group is really going to put us over the top."

Diving coach Bryan Gillooly is excited to see what these divers have in store for the years to come.

"This is a great class for us," said Gillooly. "We had to do a little bit of rebuilding, especially on the men's side. I am really excited about the three men we're bringing in on the men's side and about bringing Lauren Snider to the women's team."

There will be another signing period for additional signees in the spring.

Below is a list of the 23 early signees.

Layla Black
Whitekirk, England | St. Wilfrid's Catholic School

2017 European Junior Champion – 200m breaststroke
Three-time Commonwealth Youth Games gold medalist (Samoa 2015, Bahamas 2017)
First athlete to win gold at 2 consecutive Commonwealth Youth Games – 200m breaststroke
Silver medalist at the 2016 European Junior Championships – 200m breaststroke
Two-time Bronze medalist at the European Games – 200m breaststroke & 4x100m medley relay
Four-time British age group record holder
Became the first person at the City of Leeds Swimming Club to become a European Junior Champion – doing so under coach Richard Deivigan
Holds 13 British national medal (eight gold, two silver and three bronze)
Named England Junior Swimmer of the Year in 2015
Why she chose UF: "I chose UF because of its stellar academic and athletic programs. I truly feel this is the best place for me to reach my potential both in and out the pool. I can't wait to get to Gainesville and start my time at UF. Go Gators!"
Troy on Layla: "Layla is the best junior British breaststroker, she is going to give us a lot of depth in the breaststroke paired with the girls we currently have. What used to be a real weakness for us is going to be a great strength."

Trey Freeman
Chattanooga, Tenn. | Baylor School

Two-time Scholastic All-American – 2016 & 2017
USA Swimming National Jr. Team – 2016 & 2017
2017 18 & under National Champion – 200 free and 400 free
Medaled at the 2017 World Junior Championships
Medaled at the Jr. Pan Pacific Games
Tennessee High School Record Holder
Three-time NICSA All-American selection – 2015, 2016 & 2017
Why he chose UF: "The coaches, team and support staff made me feel at home. I look forward to being a Gator!
Troy on Trey: "Trey is one of the best middle-distance freestyle swimmers in the class. He also swims a lot of other strokes that a lot of people don't know about. He is really well-rounded out of the Baylor School. He also brings a lot of speed for us."

Leah Braswell
Manchester, Pa. | Home Schooled

National Junior Team member
2017 FINA World Junior Team member
2017 World Junior Championship Trials 18 & under champion in the 400 free
YMCA Short Course National Champion – 1000 free and 1650 free
Why she chose UF: "I chose UF because I had always wanted to attend and swim there. When I visited, everything just clicked. I loved the coaches and the team and knew it was the place for me."
Troy on Leah: "Leah is a tremendous freestyler; she can swim everything from the 50 to 1650, relays included. She is also a great medley swimmer, so pairing her with Vanessa Pearl in the medley is going to give us a 1-2 punch."

Dillon Hillis
New York, N.Y. | Florida Virtual School

Qualified and swam at the 2016 US Olympic Trials at the age of 15 – 100 breaststroke
Competed at the 2017 World Championship Trials
18 & Under National Champion at the 2016 AT&T Winter Nationals – 100 breaststroke
Competed in finals of five events at the 2016 AT&T Winter Nationals – 100 & 200 breaststroke, 100 & 200 butterfly and the 200 IM.
Why he chose UF: "I chose the University of Florida because there is no better place to be a student-athlete in the world. UF Has the best legacy of fast swimming and I can't wait to be a part of it!"

Troy on Dillon: "Dillon is a big, powerful kid. As he continues to go through college, he is just going to develop even further. He came very recommended and is a really versatile guy."
Isaac Davis
Jacksonville, Fla. | North Florida Christian Academy

16 State Age Group Champion – 50 free, 100 free, 100 free and 4x100 free relay
C-finalist in the 2015 Speedo Junior Nationals – 50 free
Six-time Speedo Junior National medalist
Why he chose UF: "I chose to attend the University of Florida because I believe my goals will be achieved there."
Troy on Isaac: "Isaac, along with his brother Will, are two of the best sprinters coming up. They both have great speed and it will be difficult to fill the Caeleb Dressel shoes, but both Isaac and Will have the potential to go a long way in the sport."

Will Davis
Jacksonville, Fla. | North Florida Christian Academy

Currently holds 16 Age Group state record – 100 back
Nine-time Speedo Junior National medalist – five golds, three silver, one bronze
2016 Winter Junior National Meet record holder – 400 medley relay
Competed in the 2016 US Olympic Trials – 50 free
Competed in the 2017 Phillips 66 National Championships – 50 free, 100 free, 100 fly
C-finalist in the 50 free at the Phillips 66 Championships
Finalist at the FINA World Junior Championships – 50 free
Member of the 2017-18 Junior National Team
Swam with the Bolles School Sharks
Why he chose UF: "I chose the University of Florida because of the overwhelming sense of pride that comes with becoming a Florida Gator."
Troy on Will: "Will, along with Isaac, are two of the best sprinters coming up. They both have great speed and it will be difficult to fill the Caeleb Dressel shoes, but both Isaac and Will have the potential to go a long way in the sport."

Lyle Hayes-Macaluso
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. | Pine Crest School

Seven-time FHSAA State Championship finalist
2016-17 NISCA All-American
USA Diving National Championships semifinalist – platform (16-18)
YMCA National Championship finalist – platform
Why he chose UF: "It is an excellent academic university with a great diving program. I want to dive with Bryan Gillooly."
Bryan on Lyle: "I worked with him previously when I was in Fort Lauderdale; he is a great diver and an even better person. He's a great platform diver, which we were looking to add, so he will be strong for us there. He brings a great attitude and enthusiasm that we are really going to appreciate."

Miguel Cancel
Miami, Fla. | Gulliver Prep School

2016 Olympic Trials Qualifier – 400 IM
Junior National Finalist – 2015 & 2016
Florida High School State Champion – 100 free, 500 free and 200 IM
All-American – 100 free, 500 free and 200 IM
Gulliver Prep Team Captain – Junior and Senior seasons
Holds four Florida Gold Coast swimming records for the 15-16 age group – SCY: 500 free, 200 fly and 400 IM; LCM: 200m fly
Why he chose UF: "I chose the University of Florida because this school offers great academic opportunities along with an exceptional athletic program. Most importantly, I feel at home when I am on campus and I truly feel I will succeed both academically and athletically. It is an honor to be part of the Gator family! Go Gators!"
Troy on Miguel: "He gives us a great option at IM; we are losing two really strong IMers in Mark Szaranek and Jan Switkowski. He is really well-rounded athlete and can be a go-to guy for four years."

Kieran Smith
Ridgefield, Conn. | Ridgefield High School

US National Junior Team member – 2017
World ranked in the 200m IM (31st) and 400m IM (42nd)
Silver medalist at the 2017 FINA World Junior Championships – 200m IM
Finished sixth at the 2017 Phillips 66 National Championships – 400m IM
Finished third in the 2017 US Open – 400m IM
Connecticut Swimmer of the Year – 2017
Connecticut HS Coaches Association Swimmer of the Year – 2016 & 2017
NISCA All-American – 100 back, 200 & 500 free, 200 medley relay
USA Scholastic All-American and Connecticut Scholar Athlete
Record holder in the state of Connecticut, Ridgefield Aquatic Club and Ridgefield High School
Why he chose UF: "UF is the perfect fit for me. They have an excellent program in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, which is exactly what I am looking for. On the swimming side, the coaches help IMers like myself thrive."
Troy on Kieran: "He's going to be another great IMer for us to count on in all four years. He brings great speed and can be an all-around guy for us in the strokes and the relays."

Santiago Morales
Atlanta, Ga. | The Westminster Schools

Placed third in the 2017 Georgia 1-5A High School (GHSA) Diving Championships as a junior
Captain at the Westminster School under Olympic Medalist Cynthia Potter
Member of the 2015 & 2016 Westminster Swimming & Diving State Championship teams
Selected as a 2017 NISCA All-American Diver
Former Member of the Peru Junior National Dive Team
USA Diving Nationals Qualifier on all three boards – 2014
Club diver at Atlanta Diving Association under Stevie Vines
Why he chose UF: "I have known Coach Gillooly for many years from regional and zone meets throughout the state of Florida. I am thrilled that he invited me to be a part of his program and to continue my diving career with current SEC Swimming and Diving Champions. I am also excited to begin my studies in finance at the highly ranked Heavener School of Business. Both the team and the school are incredible. I cannot wait to see where the next four years at Florida will take me."
Bryan on Santiago: "He has outstanding fundamentals. He has a lot of experience and a solid foundation, so we are ready to get him stronger. We're really happy to have him, he's got a great attitude."

Lauren Snider
Orlando, Fla. | Lake Highland Prep School

National platform finalist at the USA Diving Nationals – 2016
Three-time USA national qualifier and semi-finalist
YMCA National platform champion – 2016
FHSAA IA state finalist on 1-meter – 2017
Bryan on Lauren: "Couldn't be happier to have Lauren here. She is going to fall into the mold of being an outstanding diver for us. Lauren is a great platform diver, she is going to have a bright future here."

Mabel Zavaros
Burlington, Ont., Canada | Iroquois Ridge High School

Won two gold medals at the FINA World Junior Championships – 4x200m medley relay & 4x100m medley relay
Finished fourth in the 200m fly, eighth in the 100m fly and 11th in the 50m fly at the FINA World Junior Championships
Earned two bronze medals at the 2017 Canadian Trials – 50m & 200m fly
Won two gold medals at the 2017 Canadian Juniors – 100m & 200m fly
Won one silver medal at the Canadian Juniors – 200m free
Earned seven medals at the 2017 Canadian Championships – four gold (100m & 200m fly and two relays), one silver (400m IM), two bronze (200m back and 1500m free)
Finished fifth in the 200 fly at the 2016 World Junior Pan Pacific Games
During the 2016-17 swim season, she was ranked first in the 200m fly in Canada and 43rd in the world
Canadian age group (15-17) record holder in the 200m fly
Why she chose UF: "I chose the University of Florida because of the amazing academic program and the welcoming atmosphere of the swim team."
Troy on Mabel: "Very well rounded athlete, who has the speed in the strokes. She came very highly recommended, along with her sister Rosie. We are very lucky to have the two of them joining us. Mabel is one of the best 200 butterfly swimmers in the world. She has good speed and can also swim the medley for us."

Rosie Zavaros
Burlington, Ont., Canada | Iroquois Ridge High School

Finished 12th in the 200m back at the FINA World Junior Championships
Finished eighth in the 200m back at the 2017 Canadian Trials
Won two silver medals at the 2017 Canadian Junior Championships – 100m back and 4x100m medley relay
Qualified for the 2016 Canadian Junior Pan Pacific Team
During the 2015-16 swim season, she was ranked 86th in the world in the 200m back
Petro Canada Face athlete nomination – 2016
Why she chose UF: "I chose the University of Florida for its stellar academics and amazing success in the pool.
Troy on Rosie: "Rosie is also very well-rounded and highly recommended from her coach. We're lucky to have signed both of them. She's dealt with some injuries, but she is a tremendous backstroker. She is going to help our backstroke become a very strong event."

Vanessa Pearl
McKinney, Texas | McKinney High School

US National Team Member – 2017-18
2017 US Open High Point Winner
Why she chose UF: "I chose the University of Florida for many reasons: the amazing academics, accomplished swim team, wonderful coaches and overall atmosphere, just to name a few."
Troy on Vanessa: "She is one of the premier swimmers in the class, just a great overall athlete. She provides a big need for us and have enough speed that she can swim on the relays, just a really great addition for us. She comes highly recommended and has a great background."

Ellie Zweifel
Columbia, Mo. | Rock Ridge High School

Two-time Missouri State Champion
Missouri state record holder in the 200 medley relay
2017 High School All-American
Troy on Ellie: "She brings good speed and comes highly recommended from her coach. She is a great student and she will add tremendous depth and speed to the breaststroke. It will help us the whole way around."

Nick Hackett
Fleming Island, Fla. | Fleming Island High School

3A State Champion – 200 freestyle & 100 butterfly
Two-time 3A State Champion – 200 freestyle relay
Three-time High School All-American
Three-time Scholastic High School All-American
Junior National Finalist – 100 & 200 butterfly
First Coast Swimmer of the Year in 2016
Earned an AICE Advanced Honors Diploma
Why he chose UF: "Florida is a Top-5 National Swim Program and has an excellent engineering program. Go Gators!
Troy on Nick: "Nick is another really big, powerful guy for us. He is versatile and is going to fill a butterfly need for us. He's another one that came highly recommended to us."

Kacper Stokowski
Warsaw, Poland | LIX Mistrzotwa Sportowego

Holds two World Junior Records in SCM – 50 back and 100 back
Swam at the FINA World Championships
Won bronze at the FINA Junior World Championships – 50 back
Finished fifth at the FINA Junior World Championships – 100 back
Won gold at the 2016 European Junior Swimming Championships – 200 free
Troy on Kacper: "Kacper is the same mold as both Pawal Werner and Jan Switkowski in the fact that he can swim everything. He's got good freestyle speed, tremendous backstroke speed and he's swam some butterfly in the past. He's a tough racer that can do everything, he is going to be a tremendous addition."

Robert Finke
Clearwater, Fla. | Countryside High School

Team USA World Championship qualifier at FINA – 2017
Member of the USA Swimming National team
Member of Team USA at the 2016 Jr. Pan Pacific Games
USA Swimming Scholastic All-American
Why he chose UF: "I chose the University of Florida because of the coaching staff and the team. It is a great place to develop character.:
Troy on Robert: ''Robert is one of the best distance freestylers in the entire United States, he is certainly the best young one. He is a tremendous addition to the squad and will fill some of the distance voids that we have graduated in the last couple of years. His older sister Autumn went here, so it will be great to have another Finke in the program."

Timothy Marski
Lynbrook, N.Y. | Lynbrook High School

2014 Long Course Junior Olympics Championships – first place, high point award winner
2015 Junior Olympics – first place, high point award winner
Made Olympic Trials cut at age 15
2016 Long Course Senior Championships – first place, high point award winner
Troy on Timothy: "He is a distance freestyler from a great club in Long Island, N.Y. and comes highly recommended by his coach. We're going to graduate a lot of distance guys this year, so Tim is one we are going to need to develop so he can give us great depth in the distance events."

Nicholas Lydon
Clifton Park, N.Y. | Shenendehowa High School

Holds diving record for his school and the school's pool
Three-time state finalist
NISCA All-American
AAU National Champion
Six-time USA National Qualifier
Finished 13th on the 1-meter in 2015 at USA Nationals – 14-15 age group
Bryan on Nick: "He has a lot of untapped potential and he's already had a lot of good results, he's going to get a lot better here, which is great for us."

Kalie Novosedliak
Carlsbad, Calif. | Carlsbad High School

Winner of the 500 freestyle at the 2017 San Diego Division I CIF
Earned first junior national cut at the 2017 Southern California sectionals
Member of the North Coast Aquatics club team, which won first place at the Future Championships
North Coast Aquatics senior girls won first place overall at Futures Championships
Member of the relay team that won the 400 free relay and 800 free relay at the Futures Championship
Why she chose UF: "I am so happy to continue my swimming career at the University of Florida. During my official visit, everyone made me feel right at home. I love the support they give to their student-athletes, the campus and most importantly, the team. I think UF is the perfect fit for me academically and athletically and I can't wait to be a part of something so special. Go Gators!
Troy on Kalie: "We don't get many West Coast people, but when we do, they always do really well. She's a really good all-around swimmer, especially in the freestyle. Kalie will add a lot of depth to our middle-distance freestylers."

Kirschtine Balbuena
Gainesville, Fla. | Bucholz High School

Junior national qualifier
Part of the quartet that holds the national ration in the 200m free relay and 400 yard free relay for the 15-18 age group
Swam for Gold Medal Club and Gator Swim Club
Helped Bucholz High School swim team obtain three straight state titles
HS All-American standard in the 200 IM, 100 free and 100 back
Helped Bucholz relay break state records in the 200 medley relay and the 400 free relay
Scholastic All-American
Member of both the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society
Why she chose UF: "I chose the University of Florida because of its academic prowess and its tradition of excellence in swimming. As a local swimmer, I have witnessed the support that coaches provide for the gators, as well as the distinct team culture that I've wanted to be a part of. I envision myself as a student-athlete here at UF and I'm glad that I made this choice."
Troy on Kirschtine: "She adds to our local people who have had success here before. She is a very versatile athlete and a real team player. She is going to fill a void for us in the backstroke and we are always lucky to have someone come from Gator Swim Club.

Celismar Guzman
Dover, Fla. | Strawberry Crest High School

Member of the Puerto Rican National Team
U.S. Open Qualifier – 100 backstroke
Competed at CCCAN 2017 for the Puerto Rican National Team
Swims for Tampa Bay Aquatics
Automatic All-American – 100 backstroke
Qualified for Scholastic All-American
Heart of Champions Award in high school
Competed at World Junior Nationals in Indianapolis
Why she chose UF: "I chose the University of Florida because it is a great program, academically and athletically. It also gives me the opportunity to complete my aspiration of being a veterinarian."
Troy on Celismar: "She is one of the best high school swimmers in Florida. She is great in the backstroke and the butterfly, where we have been a little bit lacking lately. She is going to give us great depth in the backstroke and good speed in the butterfly."

These male swimmers will wear agonswim