On Wednesday, May 16, 2012, Jason Deana, Pat Dunigan and Erica Elias, 2012 graduates of North Penn, were recognized for signing letters of intent to compete at the collegiate level.
Jason Deana – North Carolina State University (Swimming)
Major: Undecided
Final list of colleges: North Carolina State, Virginia Tech, University of Pittsburgh, University of Delaware, Kenyon college
Reasons for choosing NC State: “Great team atmosphere, coaches are one of a kind, and they have a very competitive swim team. NC State has a beautiful campus as well as excellent academics.”
What was the progression that led you to swim at the collegiate level? “During ninth and 10th grades, I was unsure if I wanted to continue swimming for another four years at the college level, but as my junior and senior years came along, I fell in love with the sport, and it was an obvious decision to take my swimming career to the next level. The whole process of being recruited started at the end of my junior year and really went into full swing in the fall of my senior year.”
Coach Brian Daly says: “Jason is a naturally talented young man and very competitive. Those types of guys are always fun to coach. What enabled Jason to experience the success that he enjoyed last winter was his commitment and dedication. Not only did he give 100 percent at every practice session, but he focused on the details. Those little things that could give him any slight advantage – underwater kicking off walls, body position, breathing patterns, turns, finishes. He set extremely lofty goals for himself at the conclusion of his junior season and did not leave anything to chance. Considering the injury he suffered just before the district championship this year, I think we only got to see a glimpse of what Jason is capable of doing in the pool. It will be fun to watch him continue to develop at NC State.”
About Jason:
Favorite food: Ice Cream
Favorite movie: The Dark Knight
Favorite music: Hip-Hop/Rap
Patrick Dunigan – Misericordia University (Swimming)
Major: Early Education or Physical Therapy
Final list of colleges: Misericordia University, Iona College, Mercyhurst University
What was the progression that led you to swim at the collegiate level? “I started swimming and playing water polo when I was seven years old, and I kept with it, so I hoped to (compete) in college when I was older. As a junior, I threw down some eye-popping times, and the coaches contacted me. I went up for a visit and loved it. I committed about a month later.”
Coach Brian Daly says: “Patrick Dunigan did not come into North Penn as the most talented or the fastest athlete, but he certainly left as one. In fact, he was the Bartle Award recipient for showing the greatest improvement during his career. He set the Rick Carroll Natatorium pool record in the 500 freestyle at the SOL Championship meet and graduated with all-league honor, all-district and all-state recognition. He has unlimited potential, and it will be fun to watch him continue his career at Misericordia.”
About Pat:
Favorite food: Mac & Cheese
Favorite movie: Miracle
Favorite music: ‘Anything with a good beat.’
Erica Elias – University of Richmond (Diving)
Major: Biochemistry
Final list of colleges: Richmond, Penn State, Pitt, UConn, UDel
Reasons for choosing Richmond: “Strong academics, small class size, location, prestigious swimming and diving team.”
What was the progression that led you to dive at the collegiate level? “I decided late that I wanted to dive in college; therefore, I did not join a USA diving club team until the fall of my junior year. Fortunately, my talent was recognized by several college coaches that spring. In the fall of my senior year, I fulfilled all five of my allowed official recruiting trips. This process was extremely helpful in determining which colleges and diving programs were best suited for me.”
Coach Matt Weiser says: “Erica was a great leader and teammate who is very dedicated to diving. She worked extremely hard and had the ability to bring out the best in herself and her teammates. She improved tremendously over her four years, which led her to be a district and state medalist. We will certainly miss her contributions to the team but will wish her the best at Richmond.”
About Erica:
Favorite food: Pizza
Favorite music: Taylor Swift & Adele
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