Swimming and Diving Signs Standout Recruiting Class
12/7/2008 12:00:00 AM | Swimming & Diving
Dec. 7, 2008
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The Alabama Swimming and Diving men's team has signed what head coach Eric McIlquham terms "easily the best Alabama class in recent memory" to National Letters of Intent while the women's team reeled in one of the nation's top distance prospects.
"What makes this class so good is that it's top quality from top to bottom," McIlquham said. "Walking in the door, these are guys who are going to make an immediate impact for our program at the highest levels."
The Crimson Tide men inked five in the early signing period while the women added one. Oscar Aldabe, Vlad Caciuc, Jake Reynolds, Brandon Lowe and Reese Shirey will join the men's team for the 2009-10 season while Jenna Gallo will join the women's team.
Two of the men's signees have strong connections to the Crimson Tide. Oscar Aldabe is the son of former Crimson Tide All-Americans Ricardo Aldabe and the former Katrine Bomstad, while Reese Shirey's brother Austin finished his Alabama career last season.
Men
Oscar Aldabe-
Jacksonville, Fla.; The Bolles School
The first Alabama swimmer to be a double, legacy, Aldabe swims for Sergio Lopez at The Bolles School. He won the 200 and 400 individual medley at the Spanish Junior National Championships in 2008 after taking bronze in the 400 IM in 2007 and fourth in 2006. He also took bronze in the 400 IM at the 2008 Spanish Open after finishing eighth in 2006. He was named to the Florida Times-Union's All-Coast team.
"Oscar is someone who certainly understands the traditions and history of Alabama Swimming and Diving," McIlquham said. "His parents created a tremendous legacy with the Crimson Tide in the `80s. More than that though, Oscar is an extremely talented and versatile swimmer who will make an impact of his own right away.
Vlad Caciuc-
Bogdan Voda, Romania; Sport High School
Caciuc is the Romanian Junior National record holder in the 50 and 100m freestyles. He swims for Adrian Gherghel at LSP-MBV. He earned a bronze medal at the 2008 European Junior Championships in the 50m freestyle. He is the son of Ioan and Mia Caciuc.
"Vlad will give us an immediate boost in the sprint events which will also help us in our relays," McIlquham said. "His best time in the 50 freestyle already meets the NCAA automatic standard which is very impressive. His international experience will be a tremendous boost when the championship season rolls around."
Brandon Lowe-
San Diego, Calif.; Patrick Henry High School
A two-time All-American, Lowe swims for Dave Kilmer and College Area Swim Team. Lowe holds the Patrick Henry High School record in the 200 freestyle and has competed at the 2007 and 2008 USA Junior National Championship and has qualified for the upcoming USA Senior National Championships. A native of San Diego, Calif., he is the son of Stephen and Sheri Lowe.
"Brandon has great range in the freestyle events and is still coming into his own as an athlete," McIlquham said. "He has the ability to compete at the front of the pack as a freshman."
Jake Reynolds-
Prattville, Ala.; Prattville High School
Reynolds is set to graduate from Prattville High School where he also helped lead the soccer team to a pair of state titles. The Alabama High School 100 backstroke state champion in 2006, Reynolds swims for Paul Mielke at the Montgomery YMCA. He is the son of Joseph and Mary Heather Reynolds.
"Jake is a great athlete and as an Alabama native, he understands Crimson Tide pride as well as anyone," McIlquham said. "A great sprinter, he has tremendous upside and should continue to improve as his career goes along."
Reese Shirey-
Muscle Shoals, Ala.; The Baylor School
An All-American, Reese is the Baylor School record holder in the 100 yard backstroke, the independent school national record holder in the 100 meter short course backstroke, and competed at the 2008 Olympic Trials. Reese, a USA Swimming Scholastic All-American, has qualified to compete at the 2009 World Championship Trials slated for this July in Indianapolis, Ind. Coached by Dan Flack, he helped lead Baylor to the Independent Schools National Championship and the Tennessee State Championship in 2008. He is the son of David and Elizabeth Shirey.
"We're excited to have another Shirey on our team," McIlquham said. "Reese is a tremendous swimmer who will be able to help us in a variety of events, as well as on our relays."
Women
Jenna Gallo-
Lake Worth, Fla.; Park Vista Community High School
A three-year All-American, Gallo holds the Palm Beach County record in the 500 freestyle and finaled at the 200 and 500 freestyles at the recent Florida High School championships. She swims for Tim Bruce at Park Vista Community High School and Sid Cassidy at Saint Andrew's Swimming. A USA Senior National qualifier, she served as team captain of both her Park Vista and Saint Andrew's teams. She is the daughter of Paul and Susan Gallo.
"A great distance swimmer, Jenna will give us frontline talent in those events," McIlquham said. "She'll be able to help us in a lot of areas next season."
