Kevin Kluge '16 Recruiting Profile

My name is Kevin Kluge and I have been swimming since the age of 5.  My first meet I went to as a spectator I knew that swimming was for me.  Sounds crazy to think that at four years old I knew that, but I was right.  Fortunately my parents encouraged me to do other sports as well, but eventually gave up because they knew swimming was all I wanted to do.

Swimming is not a sport to take lightly if you want to compete at championship meets.  What helped me have the success I have had as an age group swimmer was my commitment to practice.  You can do two things at practice and that is show up and swim or give it your all night after night and complete each set at 100%.  From time-to-time our coaches would evaluate us and one thing I was told over and over again is that I'm coachable.  With that comes the ability to not only improve on time but also technique.

As for my character, I would consider myself a hard worker, honest, and a strong team player.  Swimming may not be viewed as a team sport but in order for swimmers to improve you need your fellow teammates to help you.  That may be in practice to help push each other through a set or in a race.  I know I wouldn't have had the success I have had without my teammates.

As for academics, I would consider myself a strong student.  Like swimming, I have to work hard to reach my goals.  Some may look at that as a negative, but I learned at a young age that that can only make me stronger.  It's something that definitely can help me in all areas of life.  Maybe that's why I"m not afraid of hard work because it's what I've always had to do.

As for extracurricular activities, I am a member of the Best Buddies club at school.  This is a great club that pairs you up with another student with special needs.  We do group outings like bowling, movies, and dances.  I am also a Peer Partner for PE which, again, I work with special needs kids but in PE.  Working with special needs kids has it's challenges but the fun and sense accomplishment these kids get is worth it all.