 Dennen McCloskey |
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Class:
Senior
Hometown:
Ventnor, N.J.
High School:
Atlantic City
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Position:
Back/Free
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Although recruited as a backstroker/freestyler Dennen
unexpectedly made his first Senior National qualifying time in the
400 individual medley, smashing the cut by two seconds with a time
of 4:32.22. Up until that swim, his plan focused on making the 200
meter backstroke National qualifying time because he always saw
himself as a backstroke/freestyler. Not only did he make the
qualifying cut in the 400 IM, but he also accomplished his goal in
the 200 meter backstroke a few days later with a time of 2:07.10.
These two performances met his high school career goal of being
able to head to Yale with several Senior National qualifying times.
During his career at Atlantic City High School Dennen received the
MVP award for four years, and he broke five school records. At the
New Jersey State Championships he placed second in the 200
freestyle with a respectable 1:42.00, and third in the 100
backstroke. Prior to those swims Dennen made his first Junior
National cuts in the 1500 and 500 yard freestyles and 200
backstroke. His repertoire during high school reflects his
versatility and depth as a swimmer. Dennen chose Yale because of
the camaraderie of the men's team and the potential of the new
Bulldog Class of 2009 and the prospect of future classes. Dennen's
home team, the Atlantic City Aquatic Club, was quite small, never
even big enough for a relay. So while he plans to continue to
improve and contribute big points against the other Ivy League
teams, he also hopes to gain a berth on at least one relay. Living
at the NJ beach, Dennen enjoys surfing and wakeboarding.
