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Swim with Mike’s Newest Scholarship Recipients
2007-2008
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Joseph Broc: Sunset Beach, HI
Hawaii Pacific University
My name is Joseph Keawe Broc. I am a sophomore at Hawai'i Pacific University, on the island of Oahu, majoring in communication. I was born with spina bifida- myelomeningocele, below the knee paralysis. I have been in the sport of outrigger canoe paddling with Manu O Ke Kai Canoe Club for 8 years. I like to go to the beach, surf, boogie board, body surf, hang out with friends, and go bowling. This year my goal is to participate in the World Sprints outriggger canoe paddling races in Sacramento, California. After college I plan on becoming a motivational speaker/comedian. I'd like to thank all those involved with the Swim with Mike program for their continued support. Thanks Kaia and Emily for all that you do for the Swim with Mike program in Hawai'i.
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Chris Cantwell: Chino Hills, CA
USC
My favorite sports memory was when I dropped my best 200 freestyle time from 2:05 to 2:00 in my last swim race.
Everyone involved with the Swim With Mike scholarship, from the donors to the coordinators to fellow recipients, is part of a unique family for me. The donors and coordinators alike have displayed extraordinary care and consideration in helping to give me the opportunity to accomplish everything I would have done before I was injured. The scholarship also brought me to USC where I met my now-fiancé Jen, yet another thing I have to be thankful for. Chris, a former swimmer and water polo player was injured in a diving accident. Chris completed his bachelors degree in engineering at USC and currently pursuing a PHD in Engineering.
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Michael Dieringer: Albion,MI
Spring Arbor University
Michael a Spring Arbor University freshman from Albion Michigan is majoring in Mechanical Engineering. Michael played golf, baseball, tennis and rifle in high school. At the age of 19 he was in a motorcycle accident that left him a C6 quadriplegic. Michael hopes to transfer to USC in the fall of 2008.
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Tricia Downing: Denver, CO
Regis University
Tricia Downing started her gymnastics career at the tender age of 7. While in high school she started diving which led to a spot on the University of Vermont team where she competed before transferring to the University of Maryland. After graduating from Maryland in 1991 with a B.A in Journalism she switched her athletics focus to cycling in 1995 and enjoyed great success until 2000 when she was hit by a car during a training ride, resulting in a T-4 paralysis. Staying positive, she is not letting her injury get the best of her. Tricia is pursuing her graduate degree in Non-Profit Management at Regis University and hopes to graduate in 2008 and pursue a career in non-profit fundraising and development. Tricia competes in triathlon and trains at the US Olympic Training Center at Colorado Spring. It is her dream to complete an Ironman however she has shown her elite level skills in many shorter distance events.
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Kenneth Gibson: Diamond Bar, CA
Kenneth is a graduate of Damien High School where he competed in football and track. Paralyzed in a football game, Kenneth graduated with his class and continued as a non-playing member of the football team. He is currently a sophomore at Cal State Fullerton.
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Tom Haig: Pullman, WA
Washington State University
In 1980 Haig won the Wisconsin High School Diving Championship also making the H.S. All-American team. He went on to letter three times at the University of Illinois while getting a B.S. in Business Psychology. Haig spent the next seven years traveling around the world as a performer and manager with World Wide Productions of Hong Kong. He won the 'Mas Bravos' prize at the 1990 Acapulco Cliff Diving Championships. A mountain-biking accident in 1996 left him paralyzed at the t-12 level. He since has won the Portland Marathon Hand cycling division two times and P.R.ed this year at the age of 45 with a time of 1:50.08. He plans to earn his second degree this Spring and will be looking for TV Reporter positions in the fall. Tom is a Senior majoring in Broadcast News.
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Donald Hammond: San Pedro, CA
USC
Donald, a former football, wrestling and track athlete was injured in a motorcycle accident which left him with left leg paralysis. He is in his second year at the USC Gould School of Law.
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Colin Heffern:
Colorado State University
My favorite sports memory was my junior year in swimming when I took second in state in the hundred yard breaststroke and fourth in the 200 yard IM. I hadn't intended to do quite so well and was very excited about the outcome. I also won quite a bit of money on the way up and back in school bus gambling! (I don't know if that should go in the bio) The Swim with Mike Scholarship really allows me to continue my schooling to eventually receive my degree in landscape architecture. It is a great help in paying the tuition and getting me back out into society to make a difference. I am a junior at Colorado State University studying landscape architecture. In high school, I was an avid athlete partaking in golf, tennis, swimming, and soccer and excelling in all. When I was a freshman at CSU, I was injured doing a belly flop into a pile of leaves and have been paralyzed below the shoulders ever since. Nowadays, I have been busy working and planning for my study abroad experience in Sydney, Australia during the spring of 2008. Because of my five year major, I will still have two years left in school on my return but afterwards I have been thinking about going to grad school to receive an MBA which I believe would help with future job opportunities. I would like to thank Kaia Hedlund for all the help she has been for me during the past two years.
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Chad Hendrickson: Cerritos, CA
USC
My name is Chad Hendrickson; I am in my second semester of a three semester Masters of Science degree in Construction Engineering and Management. I am a C5-6 Quadriplegic and I was on my high school water polo and swim teams. In my spare time I like to read, I prefer nonfiction books, in particular history; I have also recently started reading newspapers and rather enjoy those. I currently have the goal of reading the bible from cover to cover.
There are many people I would like to thank. My family deserves a special thank you; I couldn't do it without them. I would like to thank everyone who has supported me over the years, including all of those who have donated to Swim With Mike. I also know that there are many people out there who pray for me on a regular basis and I have been the recipient of many blessings because of them.
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Joe Jackson: Chandler, AZ
Arizona State University
Joe, an honor student played wide receiver on the Hamilton High School Football team and also wrestled and ran the sprint events for the track team. On November 21, 2005 he was in the middle of football practice when he ran to the side of the field to make a tackle and the next thing he knew he was on the ground. He had suffered a C6 Spinal Cord Injury resulting in lower extremity paralysis. After months of rehab he graduated with his class and is currently a freshman at Arizona State University majoring in Electrical Engineering.
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Alex Johnson: Lake San Marcos, CA
University of Southern California
Alex was a very active child who participated in skiing, football, baseball, wrestling, rodeo as well as horseback motorcycle and snowmobile riding. After a nasty fall in a high school bareback rodeo competition he broke his neck resulting in quadriplegia. After two years of physical therapy he moved to California and attended Project Walk where he met Mike Thomas, Swim with Mike Board Member who inspired him to apply for a Swim with Mike scholarship. Alex is a Junior at USC Majoring in Communications.
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Brandon Johnson: Colorado Springs, CO
USC
My favorite sports memory would have to be one of the final regular season football games of my junior year of high school where I had 2 sacks, 1 fumble recovery, and 2 blocked passes helping my team defeat rival Pueblo Centennial and secure its first league championship in school history.
For me the Swim With Mike scholarship and program is truly a blessing. The Swim With Mike scholarship has given me the opportunity to attend The University of Southern California; a school that will provide me with a world class education and also give me the opportunity to become involved with a world class athletics program. And for this I would like to thank all staff, contributors, and anyone involved with the Swim With Mike program.
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Joe Kay: Tucson, AZ
Stanford University
My name is Joe Kay, and I am a junior at Stanford University. I'm majoring in American Studies. My focus is Children and the Law. I had a stroke about four years ago. Before my stroke, I was a high school basketball and volleyball player, and I planned to play volleyball for Stanford. Though I can no longer play for the Stanford volleyball team, I have become one of its biggest fans. I also like going to Stanford basketball games and sitting in the "6th Man" section. I like traveling and living in different places. Last summer, I studied Spanish in Guadalajara, Mexico. I want to thank my mother, father, and grandmother. I would also like to thank Swim with Mike donor, Bob Spare, who encouraged me to apply for a Swim with Mike Scholarship. Joe and Stanford Men’s Volleyball Coach John Kosty are organizing the 2nd Swim With Mike Stanford, to be held May 10, 2008.
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Keith Kitamura:
University of Hawaii
Keith Kitamura had big plans. As a senior in high school, he was looking forward to playing football and baseball at the University of Hawaii. Then suddenly, his plans changed. During his senior year of high school, Keith was in a car accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down. While he has every right to be angry, Keith remains positive. He looks at the accident as a blessing in disguise. He has learned to be appreciative of his family and friends. Keith has always wanted to be a school counselor, and thanks to the Swim With Mike scholarship, he is able to pursue his master’s degree in ED/Counseling. He is currently doing his student teaching on Kauai at his alma mater, Kapaa High School, and has future plans to pursue a doctorate degree.
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Fulutusi "Tusi" Mailo: Waialua, HI
BYU Hawaii
My name is Fulutusi Mailo and I am a senior math major at BYU-Hawaii. I suffered a C-6 spinal cord injury during a swimming accident. My favorite sports are football and basketball. I hope to be a math teacher after I graduate college. I would like to thank all my friends and family for supporting and believing in me. I also want to thank everyone involved in bringing Swim with Mike to Hawaii!
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Mike McNamara: Culver City, CA
USC
Fav. Memory: Being on KTLA 5, UPN 13, FOX 11, NBC 4 my senior year at my high school. It was senior night and I was on live TV to shoot a free throw before the game after two years of being injured sitting on the bench. I made the shot and loved every minute of being on TV.
Swim With Mike helped keep my promise to my mom and that means the most. I told my mom I would get a college scholarship and that if I didn’t, I wouldn’t go to college. Swim With Mike accepted me as a person and not a disable athlete. They have made the impossible, possible. Swim With Mike has helped me be a part of the best university in the nation, USC.
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Matt Oka: Newport Beach, CA
University of Southern California
Matt Oka, a Newport Harbor High School graduate is a business major at USC where he competed as a freshman on the men’s varsity swimming team. On July 4th 2007 he broke his neck in a bodysurfing accident at Newport Beach resulting in a C5-C7 injury and paralysis from the chest down. Matt returned to USC to continue his education and is thrilled to have the opportunity to receive a scholarship from Swim With Mike.
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Ellie O’Neill: New York, NY
Syracuse University – Whitman College of Business
Favorite sports memory: My freshman year at Ithaca College when I was on the Varsity Crew Team in the light-weight boat. At states, towards the end of the race, my boat was neck and neck with the boat next to us. This was one of the roughest days on the water, the winds and waves were terrible. But we fought through it and pushed ahead of the other boat, winning states within a boats length!
The Swim with Mike Scholarship means a lot to me because of the strength and confidence that the individuals apart of the program have for me and the other recipients, knowing that we can persevere and continue on with our lives regardless of our disabilities. It means so much to me to be a part of the Swim With Mike family, and to join a group of people who share the same positive attitude and determination in life. I am very thankful for the generosity and commitment by the members and donors of the Swim With Mike Foundation in contributing to my education. Ellie is a Senior majoring in Business. A former basketball, soccer, lacrosse, track and rowing athlete she suffered a spinal cord injury at the T12, L1 and L4 levels. She is currently interviewing for jobs in Human Resources and hopes to continue living in New York City after graduation.
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Rocky Paneno: Glendale, CA
USC
My favorite sports memory would have to be when I was playing football. In one play I ran a 70 yard touchdown, but it was called back for holding. The following play, my coach called the same exact play as before, and I ran for an 80 yard touchdown and that time no penalties were called.
Swim with Mike has allowed me to continue my goals as a student. This scholarship has shown that my disability doesn’t have to close doors to opportunity—it can also open them. It is humbling to know that people care about your well being and are so generous.
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Taylor Price: Ridgewood, NJ
Georgetown University
Taylor Price is currently a 22 year old junior in the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University, double majoring in finance and marketing. On July 8th, 2004, just six weeks before he was supposed to enroll at school, Taylor sustained a C-5 spinal cord injury while diving into the ocean, leaving him a quadriplegic. Prior to his accident, Taylor played golf, tennis, basketball and lacrosse, all of which were introduced to him at a young age. In high school, Taylor explored a whole new facet of the sports world and became the manager/statistician for the basketball and hockey teams. Taylor loves to spend as much time as possible with his friends, watch 24 and listen to music.
It is quite evident that Taylor has taken advantage of Washington, DC’s “atmosphere” as seen in his participation and involvement in numerous disability advocacy projects. In October 2005, alongside Senators Ted Kennedy, Pat Roberts, and Bob Dole, Taylor spoke on Capitol Hill to introduce the “Employer-Worker Incentive Act for Individuals with Severe Disabilities”, which would create more jobs for people with disabilities through the use of government contract incentives.
Lastly, Taylor wants to thank Mike Nyeholt and the rest of the Swim with Mike team for their ongoing passion and work.
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Joey Pulford: Redondo Beach, CA
USC
My first barrel. If you've been inside the green room, you know exactly what I'm talking about.
If I hadn't met the SWM Family, I know my life would be in chaos and disorder. It has allowed me to graduate from the University of Southern California, be welcomed into the Trojan Family, and to continue onward with my scholastic career.
Joey is currently a graduate student in planning at USC.
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Kristina Ripatti: Torrance, CA
University of Southern California
Kristina a former soccer player and Los Angeles Police Department Officer was paralyzed from a gunshot wound while patrolling with the Southwest Division's gang enforcement detail on June 3, 2006. With the unwavering support and unconditional love of her husband and fellow LAPD officer, Tim Pearce, who was the first one to find her after she was shot, and her 2-year-old daughter, Jordan, Ripatti has changed the course of her life and accomplished some very inspiring feats in the process. Unable to continue her career as a police officer Kristina is delaying her enrollment at USC to take care of her newborn son. She intends to pursue a graduate degree in communications or law.
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Erick Stanton: St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.
Barry University
Erick hails from St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. A football, basketball and baseball player, Erick broke his neck falling off a cliff resulting in a C 6-7 spinal cord injury and quadriplegia. Erick is a Sophomore at Barry University in Miami Shores Florida majoring in Business.
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John Tartaglio: Milford, CT
Fairfield University
The Swim with mike scholarship is a huge help in my ability to attend the school of choice. Fairfield University is a great school for my major pre-med without the generous support from swim with mike I would have to attend a school that was less expensive and not the best at accessibility, I have all the accommodations I need to get around campus and a great trainer to help me everyday achieve my dreams at maintaining my competitive drive. I am grateful for the support and am extremely lucky to have the Swim with Mike scholarship help me continue my education of choice.
My name is John Tartaglio. I am a junior attending Fairfield University studying to receive a pre-medical biology major and management minor. Besides being a student, my current occupation is a motivational speaker. I grew up playing sports and continued this in high school playing baseball and football. I became disabled due to a rare bacterial infection which left me a bilateral hip disarticulate amputee. Today sports are still part of my life; I compete in triathlons and road races. My interests are in health and fitness, nutrition, and sports. My future goals are to attend medical school, finish a half ironman (this July!), and become the first amputee at my level to complete a marathon on prosthesis. I would like to thank the Swim with Mike program for all of their help and support.
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David Van Wagener: Greenwood Village, CO
Bucknell University
University of Texas at Austin
I am currently a second-year graduate student at the University of Texas at Austin. I am pursuing a Ph.D. in chemical engineering after earning a BS in the same major from Bucknell University in 2006. I suffered a C4/C5 spinal cord injury while skiing in 2002, during my first year of college. I played on the tennis team for all four years of high school. I also enjoyed many outdoor sports like skiing, scuba diving, mountain biking, and rock climbing. After getting my advanced degree I plan to work in industry, perhaps in the field of chemicals R&D. My current research in grad school focuses on designing a chemical process to assist with removing carbon dioxide from the emissions of coal-fired power plants. I work on the computer modeling aspect of the problem, and I hope my training will help me find a job in this area or in general chemicals modeling. In the five years since my accident, I appreciate the continual support from my parents, brother, and sister in pursuing my dreams.
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Tyler Warnock: Lucerne Valley, CA
USC
My name is Tyler Warnock; I am a junior at USC majoring in Sociology. In 2003, I suffered a spinal cord injury from a car accident. In high school, I played football, basketball, and baseball until my injury at the end of my sophomore year. I am currently doing an internship with the Los Angeles Clippers and I plan to pursue a career in the sports industry after I graduate. I just want to thank everyone that makes Swim With Mike possible because without them none of this would be possible and I wouldn't be living my dream here at USC.
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Jeff Wood: El Cajon, CA
USC
My name is Jeffrey Wood and my hometown is San Diego. I am legally blind as of 2004 through the genetic disease Lebers. I am a junior kinesiology major at USC. I am very passionate about health and plan to enter the health field in some fashion, whether it is medicine or fitness. I will soon be competing for USC track and field after a hip surgery setback last season. Hobbies of mine include: track, baseball and surfing. Swim with Mike has been a blessing to me. It has not only given me friendships, but has given me confidence. Each and every recipient has so much strength and courage. I thank Mike and all others involved with the swim. The Swim with Mike family is amazing. I also thank my family, Russ Romano (head USC athletic trainer), and all of my wonderful friends.
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Joseph Zinski: Voorhees, NJ
University of Connecticut
As a competitive swimmer for many years, I swam on winter and summer club teams as well as my High School team. I started swimming on our neighborhood swim club team at age 7. In 1994 when our pool opened and the team was formed, a group of seniors established a record in the free relay. Their record was considered unbeatable throughout the next 9 years of my swim career and they came to be known as "the Legends". My teammates and I worked every year to try to break that record. In my senior year at the Suburban League Championships, we finally shattered the Legends long-standing record and became Legends ourselves…. It was a great moment!
On June 12, 2005 I dove into a pool and broke my neck at the cervical 6 level resulting in quadriplegia. I had just completed my freshman year at UConn. For me, the ultimate goal that kept me going each day was the hope of resuming my life as a college student and pursuing my Chemical Engineering degree. This past fall, I returned as a sophomore to UConn and live on campus. It is great to be back! The Swim with Mike Scholarship provided the financial support I needed to allow me to reach my goal of resuming my college education and pursuing my dreams. I am working with the UCONN Athletics Department and the Honors program to put on the first Swim With Mike UCONN this Spring.
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Alumni Recipients
Jesse Aros: Los Angeles, CA
USC
Milan Bobde: New Delhi, India
USC
Prior to his accident in 1992, Milan received the Best Athlete award for five consecutive years at Montfort High School, where he was active in gymnastics and track. Fortunately, his accident did not slow him down. He still competes in swimming and table tennis. He received his bachelor’s degree from the Government College of Engineering in India, attended the USC School of Engineering for graduate school, and is now employed as a software engineer.
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Robert Brooks: Seal Beach, CA
USC
Robert graduated from USC in the Spring of 2007 with a bachelors degree in public relations. Due to Proximal Focal Deficiency, he has a prosthetic leg. Despite his disability, he was the starting guard and captain of his high school basketball team. Robert served as a manager of the USC basketball team, Robert aspires to become a basketball coach.
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Allison Brown-Pittman
USC
A former standout track athlete, Allison’s left leg was amputated due to bone cancer. She was able to live out her childhood dream of being an Olympic athlete when she took home a gold medal in the 100m freestyle in the 1996 Paralympic Games. Allison still holds the American record in this event. She is also happily married.
Steve Coniglio: Santa Ana, CA
USC
Steve completed his studies at USC in May 1996, earning his bachelor’s degree in entrepreneurial studies. His high school athletic career consisted of wrestling and ice hockey. During wrestling practice senior year, Steve suffered a neck injury. Although doctors told him he would never walk again, he defied the odds and proved them wrong.
Jamie Danskin: Inglewood, CA
USC
Jamie was injured in an automobile accident at the age of fourteen, four days before she was to begin her first season of high school basketball. Jamie was also involved in volleyball, diving, and track. Despite permanent paraplegia, she graduated from high school, went on to earn an associate’s degree an occupational therapy assistant, and eventually received her master’s in occupational therapy. Jamie is still active in wheelchair basketball.
Kemal Demirciler: Turkish Republic of Northern Cypress
USC
The Valedictorian of his USC undergraduate class, Kemal earned his PhD in Engineering. Prior to a diving accident in the Mediterranean Sea, he was a standout high school basketball player, discus thrower, and violinist.
Chris Emauel: Inglewood, CA
USC
Chris was a talented defensive back and halfback for his high school football team until he was injured in a car accident. At USC, Chris double majored in international relations and public policy with an emphasis in health administration.
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Nick Enriquez: Glendora, CA
USC
Southwestern School of Law
Nick is a former high school football and baseball player who was paralyzed after a beach accident. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting in 2003 from USC where he was a Trojan Knight. Nick is currently continuing his law school education at Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles. He is a second-year evening student. He just finished a judicial externship with Commissioner Ron Rose at the Los Angeles criminal courts building this summer, and is currently an assistant seven on seven flag football coach for seventh and eighth graders at St. Dorothy’s in Glendora. His younger brother, Alex, is the head coach. Nick is famous for his ever-present charm and is a great member of the Swim With Mike family. Nick graduated from Southwestern School of Law in Los Angeles in the Spring of 2007. He finished a judicial externship with Commissioner Ron Rose at the Los Angeles criminal courts building this summer, served as an assistant coach for the seven on seven flag football for seventh and eighth graders at St. Dorothy’s in Glendora and is pursuing his career in law.
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Mark Fuglevand: Marina Del Ray, CA
USC
A standout hockey player, Mark suffered a spinal injury as a result of a beach accident. He graduated from the USC School of Accounting after transferring from Santa Monica City College, and he also received his master’s degree.
Matt Geriak: Balboa, CA
USC
Matthew graduated with a doctorate in pharmacy from USC in 1996, completed his post-doc research residency, and is currently a medication safety manager for the Scripps Healthcare System in San Diego. He was inspired by Ron Orr to attend USC in 1987 at a time in his life where very few people gave him hope. His cancer had recurred at a higher growth rate and it was advised to have his left leg amputated. He had to drop out of the chemistry program at the University of Colorado (CU), he had to quit the CU Alpine Ski Team, and his doctor hoped that he would survive a few more years with aggressive chemotherapy. "I met Ron Orr at a Swim with Mike luncheon and he walked up to me, introduced himself, and treated me like an athlete, instead of a dieing patient. He asked me when I was going to get back into training again and ski with one leg. I was stunned, but it made me think."
Matthew later went on to training hard and competing in downhill skiing all over the world. Eventually, he was named a member of the United States Disabled Ski Team. "I remember looking out into the horizon on top of the Olympic Downhill course in France thinking I am truly on top of the world. With the strong support of my family, life seemed to transform into a snowball of opportunities since I met Ron. Life takes unexpected turns and now it is time to give back." Matthew is now married and he and his two brothers are helping to raise funds for Swim With Mike and the American Cancer Society by putting together a team to swim across the channel from Alcatraz to the mainland in August 2006. Please contact him at 760-525-4658 for more information.
Patrick Gillespie: Seattle, WA
USC
Patrick completed in high school as a wrestler, football player, and skier, until he suffered a paralyzing neck injury in a skiing accident. With the help of a Swim With Mike scholarship, he graduated from USC with a degree in aerospace engineering. Patrick now works in Seattle for the FAA on Cabin Safety staff.
Dr. Marianne Grew: Pasadena, CA
USC
As a high school athlete, Marianne tried many different sports, including volleyball. She was paralyzed on a trip to a match when the bus carrying her and her teammates was involved in an accident. Marianne completed her undergraduate degree in psychobiology, and with the help of a Swim With Mike scholarship was able to complete her degree at the Keck School of Medicine, enabling her to become a practicing physician.
Paul Heckler
USC
Originally from upstate New York, Paul fell in love with tennis at an early age. Hoping to further his tennis career, he moved to California in 1981. One week prior to entering his first tournament, Paul was paralyzed in a car accident. While at USC as a Swim With Mike recipient, he established a reputation as one of Southern California’s top rated wheelchair tennis players.
Arthur Hemingway: Los Angeles, CA
USC
Arthur dreamed of playing for the USC football team. His dreams were realized in 1978, when he was recruited to play for the Trojans. One week after the start of summer practice, a man fleeing from police hit Arthur in a stolen automobile. After intensive rehabilitation, he assisted the Oceanside and Buena Vista High School football teams. After a 13-year absence, Arthur returned to USC and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s in education.
Luis Hernandez: Los Angeles, CA
USC
A high school and junior college football player and track athlete, Luis suffered injuries when he was struck by a drunk driver. He was the seventh Swim With Mike recipient. Luis graduated in 1986 with a degree in business administration with an emphasis in international finance. Following graduation, he successfully campaigned for a seat on the Huntington Park City Council.
Martin Hernandez: Inglewood, CA
USC
Martin was left paralyzed when a bullet struck him from a passing car while he was an explorer scout. While at USC, he helped form a wheelchair basketball league and graduated with a communications minor and a bachelor’s degree in news, media, and society. Martin is happily married, and his first daughter was born in 2003. On March 14, 2005, he had a boy. He currently resides in Fresno.
Jason Hetzer: Chino, CA
USC
Jason graduated from high school with a 3.9 GPA and a perfect score on his AP English exam. An All-State football player and captain of his team junior and senior year, his aspirations of having a college career were cut short after a diving accident left him paralyzed. Jason decided to pursue writing, another one of his many talents. At USC, he was a student in the School of Journalism as well as a staple of the Trojan sidelines during football practice. Jason was eventually invited by Pete Carroll to sit on the sidelines at the USC-Notre Dame game during his senior year as a welcomed member of the Trojan football team. He is now writing comic books.
Carlos "Mike" Hoover: Stocking, CA
USC
Mike returned to USC after a six-year absence to continue his studies in music education and recording arts. Mike suffered a cerebral hemorrhage that resulted in loss of speech and motor activity during the fall of his senior year. He was a four-year member of the Trojan Marching Band and an outstanding high school soccer player.
Ian Jacquiss: Los Angeles, CA
USC
A world class swimmer, Ian has been confined to a wheelchair ever since he was hit by a car at the age of two. While at USC, he became the first wheelchair athlete in NCAA history to swim for a Division 1 team. Ian also won multiple Paralympic gold medals and held seven world records for wheelchair athletes. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English Literature in 1988. After graduation, Ian became a staff writer for the Los Angeles Times and covered the 1988 Seoul Paralympic games in which he was also a participant. He went on to receive a law degree at the Cumberland School of Law in Birmingham, Alabama. Ian is now the executive director of Oregon Disability Sports and is active in wheelchair basketball.
Jeff Keith: New York, NY
USC
The tenth recipient of Swim With Mike, Jeff was a lacrosse player who lost his leg to cancer at the age of 12. He earned the honor of being the first amputee to complete the 3,300 mile Run Across America in February, 1985. At the finish line in Los Angeles, Mike Nyeholt offered Jeff a scholarship to pursue his graduate studies. After earning his MBA from USC, he worked at UBS Warburg selling corporate bonds and co-founded the philanthropy Swim Across America. Jeff now occupies his time as a father of three in Connecticut.
Suzy Kim: Irvine, CA
USC
Suzy was active in high school, participating in soccer and tennis. After high school she became an avid competitor in marathons and triathlons. As a third year medical student at USC, Suzy was the victim of a body surfing accident. She soon learned how to walk again with braces and a walker after much rehabilitation, and she resumed her studies that fall as a Swim With Mike recipient. She is now a doctor.
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Keith Kitamura: Kapaa, HI
USC
Keith Kitamura had big plans. As a senior in high school, he was looking forward to playing football and baseball at the University of Hawaii. Then suddenly, his plans changed. During his senior year of high school, Keith was in a car accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down. While he has every right to be angry, Keith remains positive. He looks at the accident as a blessing in disguise. He has learned to be appreciative of his family and friends. Keith has always wanted to be a school counselor, and thanks to the Swim With Mike scholarship, he completed his master’s degree in ED/Counseling at the University of Hawaii. He is currently a high school counselor at his alma mater, Kapaa High School on Kauai, and has future plans to pursue a doctorate degree.
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Chris Kreutzberg: Riverside, CA
USC
An avid swimmer, Chris competed on both his high school swim and water polo teams, as well as a certified SCUBA diving and Water Safety instructor. While in his sophomore year at USC, Chris was in an automobile accident that left him a paraplegic. He returned to USC as the third Swim With Mike recipient, earning a degree in business administration. Through his fraternity, Chris was instrumental in coordinating the Inter-Fraternity Council’s involvement in the Swim.
Crista Lawrence-Adamson: Granada Hills, CA
USC
An All-American swimmer her freshman year at Cal State Northridge, Crista was injured in a surfing accident while competing in a junior lifeguard competition. She graduated from USC’s Keck School of Medicine with an emphasis in neurobiology, and received her Ph.D. at Rutgers, which is dedicated to Swim With Mike. Now married with two children, Crista is employed at Rutgers, where she is conducting research in the use of therapeutic drugs in cases of spinal cord injuries.
Kevin Lewis: Seattle, WA
USC
Kevin has the distinction of being the first Swim With Mike recipient. He attended Rolling Hills High School, where he was injured in a wrestling match. A member if the US Wheelchair Association, Kevin organized the wheelchair events in the 1984 Olympics. He now resides in Washington.
Regan Linton: Denver, CO
USC
"Regan swam, skied, and played softball and soccer during high school. While a student and resident advisor at USC, she was involved in a car accident and suffered a paralyzing injury to her spinal cord. Regan has continued with athletics, trying wheelchair basketball, swimming, hand cycling, scuba diving, and volunteering for a youth wheelchair sports camp in Colorado. Regan graduated from USC in 2004 and is working in an Americorps position at Metro Volunteers in Denver. She has also renewed her interest in acting, and is currently performing with a couple of Denver-based theatre groups."
Marc Little: Hawthorne, CA
USC
Marc received the distinct honor of being the October model in the 1986 "Men of USC" calendar. He participated in high school track, but lost his leg after being shot by a burglar in 1987. Marc received his JD degree from the USC Law Center, and now operates his own law firm in Los Angeles.
David Lupash: Westminster, CA
USC
A veteran Swim With Mike participant, David has been involved with the Swim since the age of 14. He was always an athlete and competed in swimming and basketball until a beach accident left him paralyzed. David graduated from USC in 2003 with a degree in both economics and philosophy.
Scott Madden: Eagle Rock, CA
USC
A high school track athlete, Scott was paralyzed from the chest down following a car accident in November 1978. He remained active after his accident, becoming starting point guard on his local wheelchair basketball team. Scott graduated from USC in 1986 with a degree in business administration with an emphasis in marketing.
Becki McCafferty-Melli: Mission Viejo, CA
USC
An All American swimmer from UCLA, Becki was injured in a body surfing accident. While still in the hospital, Mike Nyeholt walked into her room on crutches and offered her a scholarship to USC and a specially equipped van, making her the second Swim With Mike scholarship recipient. Winner of the Ms. Wheelchair California honor, Becki studied exercise physiology in the graduate program at USC. She also earned a master’s in business administration (MBA). Becki is employed by Cal Optima, a health care management organization in Orange County. She was married to Richard Melli in 1996.
Doug McCormack
USC
Prior to his career at USC, Doug was an avid skier until his leg was amputated due to cancer. He went on to be vice president of the nonprofit organization Amputee Coalition of America and is now a member of their general counsel. Doug led the development and implementation of the ACA’s advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C. to secure government support in increasing the quality of life among amputees.
Bryan Morrison: Livonia, MI
USC
A former swimmer, Bryan was paralyzed in a bodysurfing accident. He received a degree in biomedical engineering at Michigan State, followed by a master’s degree at USC on a Swim With Mike scholarship. Bryan is currently working on a Ph.D. in biomechanics at Arizona State University, where he is also an assistant swim coach and summer instructor.
Rob Mucho: Long Beach, CA
USC
Rob, a competitive swimmer and water polo player, was named Swimmer of the Year at Edison High School. During his sophomore year at USC, he was injured in an automobile accident. He and his wife Wendy have 2 children; Caroline, age 12, and Carson, age 2. They keep them very busy. They have been married for almost 19 yrs. His wife is a teacher in the Downey Unified School District. Rob is still recovering from a stroke that occurred almost two years ago.
Ashley Olson: Pleasanton, CA
USC
Ashley was a team captain and top defensive player on her freshman basketball team and had the potential to play college basketball. However, the plans for her life shifted after a tragic car accident that critically injured her mother and younger sister, left her paralyzed from the mid-thigh down, and killed her father. Ashley is in her fourth year here at USC as a communications major and music industry minor. She is now driven to land a career in the music world and expresses "the generous donations from Swim With Mike donors has given me an incredible educational opportunity, which has prepared me for a successful and fulfilling future in the ‘real world.’"
Sam Paneno: Davis, CA
UC Davis
Sam was a star running back for the UC Davis football team when his knee was severely dislocated in the second game of the 1999 season. Circulation problems forced doctors to amputate. Since his injury, he has completed his undergraduate degree and is studying law at UC Davis. Sam was the first recipient to attend a university other than USC. Sam received the NCAA Inspirational Award in 2002 for his determination and dedication. Sam is almost done with school and will be moving to LA next year to work in Santa Monica.
Sarah Reinertsen: Huntington Beach, CA
USC
Sarah is an active amputee athlete who has participated in six marathons. Her athleticism earned her a spot on the 1992 U.S. Paralympic team. Sarah graduated from George Washington University in 1997, and the USC Annenberg School of Communications with the masters in broadcast journalism in 2000. After graduation, she became an on-camera reporter and producer for "U.S. Olympic Gold" on NBC. She currently works at Ossur. In October 2005 she became the first female amputee to finish the famous Ironman triathlon. She currently holds the world records for above-the-knee amputees in the 100-, 200-, and 400-meter dashes.
Sarah Reinertsen is one of the most powerful and inspirational young women of her generation. Sarah is a magnetic woman with a potent message of strength and perseverance. She has blazed a new trail of opportunity and redefined expectations for others around the world.
Missing her leg above the knee since the age of seven Sarah has never let that stop her from pursuing her goals no matter how big. She is a woman of spirit, strength and determination who has always overcome any challenge to meet her goal.
Sarah is an athlete, motivational speaker, role model and an advocate for change. She is the First Female Amputee to finish the Ironman Triathlon Championships/Kona Hawaii 2005--- ESPY winner 2006---USTA’s Best Female Disabled Triathlete, Seen on “The Amazing Race” CBS session #10 and Outstanding Young Californian.
Sarah is currently training for the Hawaii Ironman Championships in October of 2008 as a true athlete she would like to better time!
Sarah is woman defined buy courage. She is guided by a simple but powerful mantra: Don’t ever give up on what you believe in. Not once. Not ever!
Jason Rothbard: Laguna Beach, CA
A swimmer, rower, and water polo player, Jason sustained severe brain injuries in a fall while a student at Colgate University. After five weeks in a coma, he recovered through intense physical therapy and sheer determination. In 1991, Jason won the "Tribute to Courage" award given to the California rehabilitation patient of the year. He obtained his undergraduate degree in 1992 from USC. Jason returned to campus to pursue a master’s degree after spending time volunteering for the Peace Corps. He also works as a recruiter for the Peace Corps and lives in Atlanta with his daughter and wife.
John Siciliano: Pittsburgh, PA
In high school, John competed in football, soccer, baseball, and basketball. After being struck by a drunk driver, he suffered the amputation of his right leg. Despite his injury, John competed in the 1996 Paralympic Games where he set the American record in the 200-meter dash. Graduating from the USC School of Theatre with his MFA, John has written an autobiographical play, “Siciliano,” based on his life which ran in NYC and was brought back to USC’s Bing Theater for the taping of Fox’s show, “Courage.” He has recently been seen in Showtime’s new series, “Sleeper Cell” and on the hit show “Scrubs.” Previous credits include: Over There, ER, LAX, Days of Our Lives and as Pokey the Pirate in Spongebob Squarepants, The movie. John also travels the country speaking and teaching our new amputee soldiers how to run and be active with their Prosthetic limbs.
Richard Vietor: Redondo Beach, CA
Richard lettered a football, basketball, and volleyball in high school. Left quadriplegic after a diving accident, he is slowly regaining control of his motor functions. After a longtime career in the aerospace industry, Richard graduated from USC’s MBA program for Professionals and Managers in 2003. He continues to be active in athletics as the coach of his daughter’s sports teams. He currently lives in Arizona.
Jennifer Walsh: Westlake Village, CA
ennifer, who attended USC as a freshman in the fall of 1993, lost her two-year battle with osteosarcoma cancer. Swim With Mike 1994 was a tribute to her spirit and determination. An endowed scholarship was established in Jennifer’s name to honor her legacy. This fund is added to each year by donors, swimmers, and any excess Swim money to ensure the program continues in her spirit for years to come.
Kris Wilson:
Nebraska Wesleyan University, Nebraska
Kris played volleyball, basketball and softball in high school and was on the Barton Community College softball team when a car accident left her with a spinal cord injury at the T-10 level and subsequent paralysis. Her dreams of going on to play softball at a four-year school were dashed but her Swim with Mike scholarship allowed her to complete her B.A. in Psychology at Nebraska Wesleyan in the spring of 2005. Kris is currently taking a year off and intends to pursue a Masters degree in criminology starting in the fall of 2006.
Jim Winston: Palos Verdes, CA
A football player from the Linfield College in Oregon, Jim played professionally in Bologna, Italy. He was paralyzed in an automobile accident. Jim completed his graduate studies in cinema at USC. He currently owns and operates his own company, Wintech Video, which specializes in beta camera rentals for film crews.
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