The University of Evansville men’s swimming and diving team will add three to the 2011-12 roster, as announced by head coach Rickey Perkins. Ashton Bishop (Katy High / Houston, Texas), Matthew Newland (Cary High / Cary, N. C.) and Garrett Johnson (Louis D. Brandeis / San Antonio, Texas) will make up the early signing class for the Aces.
Bishop signs out of Katy High School in Katy, Texas, where he was a four-time letterwinnner for the Tigers. Named as team captain of his high school squad, Bishop earned Texas 5-A all-district, region and state recognition in 2010. Bishop placed first in the 50-yard freestyle at the 2010 TISCA 5-A Regional championships. He is also a member of Katy Aquatics, where he was named a Gulf Southern Zone Finalist in the 50-free as well as a Gulf Swimming Senior Championship finalist.
“Ashton is a very fast sprinter who will be valuable to our program,” said head coach Rickey Perkins. “I’m looking forward to his ability to strengthen our sprint program.”
Coming from Cary, N.C., Newland will add depth to UE’s distance swimmers. Newland attends Cary High School.
“Matt is really going to solidify our distance program,” said Perkins. “He’s a talented swimmer and his 1650-freestyle time is just under his school’s record. I expect him to make an instant impact on the team.”
Johnson comes to UE from San Antonio, Texas, although he is no stranger to the Evansville area. Johnson lived in Newburgh, Ind., for six years prior to his move to Texas, and began his swimming career with the Newburgh Sea Creatures. Johnson earned four high school letters in swimming while in Texas and currently attends Louis D. Brandies High School. Johnson has broken numerous school records for the Broncos and is a two-time district champion in the 500-free. In 2010, Johnson received all-state honorable mention in the 500-free.
“Garrett will be a great addition to our program,” Perkins said. “He is a very versatile swimmer from Texas who will swim distance and the individual medley for us. I expect him to thrive here.”
