LANCASTER, Pa. – In a remarkable display of athleticism and determination, Junior Luke Schwenk from Annapolis, Maryland, clinched the Atlantic East Conference Men’s Swimmer of the Year award for the second consecutive year. The announcement, made on Tuesday, highlights Schwenk’s outstanding contributions to the St. Mary’s College of Maryland men’s swim team during the 2024 All-Atlantic East Conference Men’s Swimming Teams selections.
Under the guidance of eighth-year Head Coach Casey Brandt, alongside his dedicated staff Carolyn Sutton, Christian March, and Zach Shattuck, St. Mary’s College swim team achieved a commendable second-place finish at the Atlantic East Men’s Swimming Championships. This achievement brought the coaching staff the esteemed Atlantic East Coaching Staff of the Year honor, marking their first in the men’s category and second overall following a similar accolade in the Capital Athletic Conference Coach of the Year in the 2010-11 season.
The history of the men’s swimming program at St. Mary’s College is adorned with notable achievements, including only two swimmers ever earning the Swimmer of the Year honors. Schwenk joins Pat McGarrity, a 1999 alumnus, in this exclusive group, having now won the Atlantic East Swimmer of the Year title for both the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons.
Schwenk led a formidable team effort, with sophomores Robert Shively, and first-years Anthony Davis, Daniel Madigan, and Kyle Smith achieving First and Second Team awards. Sophomore William Kendrick, along with first-years CB Jurado and Kai Ng, also earned Second Team honors, showcasing the depth and talent within the St. Mary’s College swim team.
Throughout the four-day Atlantic East Championships, Schwenk showcased his exceptional talent by winning five gold medals across individual and relay events, setting six championship meet records, six conference records, and six school records. His performance not only earned him five First Team All-Atlantic East awards and two Second Team honors but also secured two NCAA B cuts, with his 50-freestyle time of 19.86 currently leading Division III rankings.
Beyond the pool, Schwenk’s achievements reflect his growth and dedication since being named the Atlantic East Rookie of the Year in the 2021-22 season. Accumulating 20 All-Atlantic East awards, including 13 First Team honors over three seasons, Schwenk’s career is a testament to his unwavering commitment and prowess in collegiate swimming.
The accolades for the St. Mary’s College men’s swim team extend beyond Schwenk’s individual success. Teammates such as Shively and Davis also made significant contributions, with Shively earning four First Team honors and Davis making a strong championship debut with multiple all-conference awards.
As the St. Mary’s College men’s swim team celebrates its achievements and sets sights on future championships, the legacy of excellence and teamwork continues to grow, anchored by the remarkable performances of swimmers like Luke Schwenk and the strategic guidance of Coach Brandt and his staff.
