Being a student athlete in college takes an incredible amount of time and dedication. The lifestyle is not for everyone, so those who are able to compete for four years as a student athlete are to be both respected and admired.

Jake Dunnigan has definitely earned this respect and admiration for his exceptional career in the Shippensburg University men’s swimming program.

Going into his final Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Championship, Dunnigan’s goal was to simply do his best.

“I was hoping to get best times in all my events since each one was going to be my last, and my biggest goal was definitely to get the 200-yard breaststroke record,” Dunnigan said of his expectations going into the PSAC Championship meet.

Dunnigan ends his collegiate career as an 11-time PSAC individual place-winner. The York native went out on a high note by meeting his personal goal and breaking SU’s record in the 200-yard breaststroke with a time of 2:04.86. The event also happened to be the final individual swim of his collegiate career.

“I remember thinking after every turn that this was my last individual event and after each lap I had less and less to go,” Dunnigan said. “I could hear and see everyone cheering for me behind the block and that kept me really pumped throughout the race. I was definitely hoping to get the record and the knowledge that I was so close to it already helped me drive to the finish strong.”

Dunnigan’s first feeling after finishing the race and breaking the record was gratitude toward his teammates, coach Tim Verge, his parents and the rest of his family.

“I definitely couldn’t have had the success that I did if it wasn’t for them. There’s also a huge feeling of excitement and satisfaction that came with breaking the record. It was just really gratifying to be able to end my swimming career on such a high note,” Dunnigan said.

Dunnigan hopes to leave behind a legacy of hard work and responsibility for the younger swimmers of SU. Dunnigan also made sure to mention that having fun is a big part of being successful in the sport of swimming.

“I want everyone to understand that what really makes it worthwhile are the amazing relationships that you have while you’re on the team,” Dunnigan said. “It’s really important to be able to have fun with your teammates and those bonds are what really drive you to do your best.”

Dunnigan credits his successful career to his teammates, coaches and parents. Coach Verge and the members of the SU swimming teams played huge roles in Dunnigan’s SU swimming career.

“Verge has always been pushing us to get better and helping me to improve and without my teammates suffering and succeeding alongside me all these years, I wouldn’t have been able to achieve any kind of success at all,” Dunnigan said.

Dunnigan was also able to share the role swimming has played in his life. “Swimming has greatly impacted my life,” Dunnigan said. “I’ve had to give up a lot of time for the sport over the years, but it’s taught me responsibility, time management and perseverance. I’ve also formed so many amazing friendships with my teammates thanks to swimming.”

Although Dunnigan has made his final waves in the waters of SU, his legacy will live on in the record books and in the minds of his teammates and coaches.

Share