June 17, 2008

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y.-- Marist Director of Aquatics Larry J. VanWagner announced Tuesday that Alan Roberts (Middletown, N.Y.) has transferred from the New Jersey Institute of Technology and will attend Marist in the fall of 2008. A breaststroke and sprint freestyle specialist, Roberts will enter competition this season as a junior.

A three-year varsity swimmer and four-year varsity baseball player at Middletown High School, Roberts was an All-American in 2005-06 in the 100-yard breaststroke.

Recently, Roberts competed at the Empire State Games trials and turned in a personal-best time of 22.70 in the 50-yard freestyle after just two weeks of training.

Coach VanWagner is looking for Roberts to help fill the shoes of departed senior Greg Jablonski in the breaststroke events.

"He is currently excellent and will only get better in the 100-yard breaststroke," said VanWagner. "We need to get him as competitive in the 200-yard breaststroke as he is in the 100, and there is no doubt that he will be able to do it if he continues to work hard."

Roberts will major in Information Technology.

Roberts on Marist: "I decided to transfer to Marist because of the excellent swimming and diving program. The staff will push me to the limits of my ability and will help me unlock my potential as a student-athlete while competing on an extremely successful team."