Darren Bittner '26 Recruiting Profile

I've been competitively swimming since I was five years old. The water speaks to me. I'm always around or near water. Swimming, lifeguarding, fishing, you name it, water is where I belong and will be a life-long passion. I'm at my best when I'm pushing myself and racing against top competitors. 

One example of my determination and competitive nature was my freshman season during Districts, swimming the 200 Free event. I tied a high school senior and was given the option to swim off against him to improve my position in the upcoming Ohio State meet, or to accept a tie. I chose the swim off. Even though I was exhausted after a full meet, I met my competitor in an empty pool and nearly an empty CSU natatorium. Almost everyone left the long meet after a full day, but I wasn't finished. I have strong mental toughness and the determination to never quit. It was daunting going up against a senior kid that was clearly stronger and more physically developed than myself. But I have confidence in my abilities and knew I would prevail. I was called to the blocks with my competitor and swam the race of my season. I won by a couple of seconds. I still dropped time, even after a full meet, recording my best 200 free time of the season - 1:46.95. And I improved my upcoming position for the Ohio State meet. On top of that, I broke the Lake Catholic school record for 200 Free. 

That was a defining moment for me and a race that I will never forget. 

I hope this provides insight into me as a swimmer, competitor, and a student. 

My NCAA ID# is 2306940735

Thank you