Henger commits to Axemen swim team

WOLFVILLE, N.S. - Acadia University and swimming head coach Gary MacDonald are pleased to announce the commitment to join the Acadia swimming team this fall by Windsor, N.S. native Ben Henger.

A member of the Wolfville Tritons Swim Club, Henger started swimming when he was seven years old with the Windsor Bluefins summer swim team.  Over the following five summers that he swam for the Bluefins with some successes including the being named to the Nova Scotia All-star Team twice and winning multiple Provincial medals.

Henger made the commitment to year-round swimming with the Wolfville Tritons six years ago. Qualifying for Age Group Nationals that year, he has done so ever since, making the finals at every age group National meet in at least one event except for 2014.

In 2012, Henger broke several age group records for 13-14 year olds in the long course 50m and 100m back, and short course 200m back. Since 2013, Henger has qualified for the Eastern Canadian Championships where he finaled in at least one event every year.

In 2015, Henger qualified for Senior Nationals for the first time at Eastern Canadian Championships in the 50m butterfly with a time of 25.58 (long course). He qualified in 50m backstroke later that season in a time of 27.86 (long course).

Henger is Tritons Swim Club record holder in multiple events across all age groups and is the younger brother of third year Acadia swimmer Patrick Henger.

"Ben will be a huge boost to our men's team next year. He has tremendous potential in his backstroke and fly events and will give our relays a much needed boost in the rankings", commented MacDonald on Henger's commitment to the Axemen in the fall of 2016. Adding, "Because he is local he already knows the team and will fit in immediately."

"I chose Acadia from an academic perspective because of its reputation as one of the best undergraduate schools in the country", commented Henger. Adding, "I also really like that there are small class sizes and that you can get to know your professors one on one. Its co-op program was also a huge thing for me as it will help open career opportunities in my later years."

"Athletically I chose Acadia because the swim team has been up and coming in the past few years and I want to be a part of its growth and successes", said Henger.

With his brother on the team Ben saw the school as a good fit. "I am already very well acquainted with the team as I have swam with many of them on the Tritons. I truly feel welcome joining them next year and love their attitude as a team. I am looking forward to working with Olympic medalist and Head Coach Gary MacDonald."

The Acadia swim team finished third in the women's and men's AUS Championship meet this past weekend and second in combined overall points.