Men’s Swimming adds seven newcomers for 2023-24

MILLIGAN, Tenn. (July 26, 2023) – Milligan University swim coach Spencer Scarth has announced the addition of seven men who will join his program for the upcoming 2023-2024 season.

Milligan men's swimming has posted back-to-back fifth-place finishes at the NAIA National Championships and three-straight Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) titles. The Buffs return nearly their entire roster from the 2022-2023 season, only graduating Connor Harrison, with fifth-years Noah Bengtson and Ben Hawkins returning.

"Although not quite as huge as last year's group (although there could still be more to come), this is yet another big bunch that will have immediate impacts on our team," said Scarth. "We have had a lot of success at the conference level over the last few seasons, but our main achievement goal is to 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.

Colin Burnette I Barracuda Swim Club I Johnson City, TN

Top Events: 200 Free (1:46.41) 100 Free (49.48) 100 Back (54.22)

Why Milligan: "I chose Milligan because it offered the opportunities I wanted. I look forward to being part of a small, close knit community and a dynamic swim program. I look forward to reaching goals both academically and athletically as a Buff!"

Nate Halloran I YCSC Mudcats I Lexington, SC

Top Events: 400 IM (4:14.68) 200 IM (1:57.57) 200 Fly (1:57.43)

Why Milligan: "I committed to Milligan because the team welcomed me in on my recruiting trip like family. My older sister also went to Milligan. I also felt like I would have the most success with the coaches and teammates around me."

Paxton Smith I Dolphin Aquatics I Laguna Niguel, CA

Top Events: 50 Free (20.59) 100 Free (45.50) 100 Back (51.80)

Why Milligan: "I decided to commit to Milligan because I loved the school, coaches, and the team. They all were extremely kind and helpful. Along with that I loved the fact that the school is a private Christian school as well."

Hudson Trammell I Greater Pensacola Aquatic Club I Milton, FL

Top Events: 100 Fly (48.93) 200 Fly (1:54.91) 100 Back (52.68)

Why Milligan: "Milligan stood out to me due to its faith based mission and rapidly improving program. I want to thank all the teammates, coaches and family members who helped me in this part of my journey!"

Sergio Tudor I El Valle I Madrid, Spain

Top Events: 100 Fly (49.54) 50 Free (21.21) 100 Free (46.64)

Why Milligan: "I think I will have a great time as a swimmer there and I see it as a great opportunity for my future as both a student and a swimmer"

Transfers

John Cox I Lees-McRae College / STAR Aquatics I Sparta, NC

Top Events: 100 Breast (59.50) 200 Breast (2:12.27) 200 IM (2:01.18)

Why Milligan: "I saw that the team was like a family, and all of the swimmers and coaches were very passionate about their athletic and academic success."

Simon Popelka I XBS Swimming I Bratislava, Slovakia

Top Events: 200 Back (1:49.50) 100 Back (50.90) 100 Free (47.86)

Why Milligan: "Best school ever and a fantastic swim program!"