Indiana University Athletics
Hoosiers Ink Three Men in Initial Round of Signings
12/15/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Swimming and Diving
Dec. 15, 2005
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Indiana head coach Ray Looze and the Indiana University swimming and diving program announced the signing of three student-athletes for the 2006-07 academic year. Chris Oleksiak (Greenwood, Ind./Center Grove), Jensen Ried (Cypress, Texas/Cypress Springs) and Drew Sease (Indianapolis, Ind./North Central) will look to impact Indiana beginning with the 2006-07 campaign.
"Chris Oleksiak is one of the top distance swimmers in the state of Indiana," Looze said. "He is the returning champion in the 500 freestyle. He has a wonderful amount of potential. He is a big guy. The fact that he is from the state of Indiana again is always important. It is great to get the top kids in the state."
A six-time high school All-American, Oleksiak earned those certificates in the 200 and 500 freestyle events as well as the 400 freestyle relays. The four-year letterwinner, Oleksiak led Center Grove to three county championships and two sectional titles.
"I believe that at Indiana, I can help the team to a Big Ten and National Championship," Oleksiak said. "I know this is a place where I can succeed and compete at the next level."
Meanwhile, the defending state 500 free champion garnered all-state recognition in the 200 and 500 free as a junior. Additionally, the son of Joanna and Bogdan holds the school record in the 200 and 500 free as well as the 400 free relay.
"Jensen Ried is a good distance swimmer out of Houston, Texas," Looze said. "He is a super kid and is a hard worker. He should blend in nicely with our really good distance group here at IU."
A freestyle specialist, Ried swam for the ConocoPhillips Splash Club Tour Team as well as FLEET. During his club travels, Ried competed in Los Alamos, N.M., Austin, Texas, Chicago, Ill., and Mexico. Meanwhile, Ried claimed an Oklahoma Junior Olympics title as well as sectional and gulf championship crowns. Furthermore, Ried picked up Oklahoma State Freshman of the Year honors.
"I chose Indiana because of the great school and the great history it has," Ried said. "The history of Doc Counsilman, Mark Spitz and other great swimmers is incredible. Also, the chance at a Big Ten title and a national championship was too good to pass up. The coaches are great and I think I will do really well at Indiana."
Away from the pool, Ried participated in community service projects. The son of Sally and Michael also earned commended performances on social studies TAKS tests.
"Drew Sease is very versatile," Looze said. "He is also one of the better swimmers in the state of Indiana. He is also a very good butterflier. He is a potential leader as well as one of the hardest workers on his current team. We expect Drew to have an immediate impact as a freshman."
A 15-time All-American, Sease comes to the Hoosiers with a wealth of swimming experience. The four-time letterwinner paced North Central to state, sectional and conference championships in 2005 as well as an undefeated dual-meet ledger. Furthermore, Sease helped North Central's 400 freestyle relay to a state title his senior campaign. On the club circuit, Sease swam for Washington Township. During his club competition, his squad picked up the 800 freestyle relay title at Junior Nationals. He also took sixth in the 200 butterfly at the Counsilman Classic in 2005.
"I chose Indiana because of the family-like atmosphere and support," Sease said. "Mix that with it being a program that is on the way to the top."
Scholastically, the son of Beth and Dan earned the American Legion Americanism and Government Award for Central Indianapolis. Meanwhile, he claimed the 2004 Social Studies Department Student of the Month as well as garnered honor roll status during his prep career. Furthermore, Sease participated with Relay for Life and served as a peer mentor.
The Hoosiers anticipate announcing more signees in the weeks to come. Keep an eye on IUHOOSIERS.com for any developments.
