Butler grad Bocci named PSAC Swimmer of Year
CLARION — Talk about your finishing kicks.
Butler graduate David Bocci wrapped up his sophomore swim season at Clarion University with his best performances yet — and has received his biggest award to date.
Bocci was named Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Men’s Swimmer of the Year on Friday after placing eighth in the 200-meter butterfly at the recent NCAA Division II National Championships.
“Going into the PSAC Championships, David was on the fringe in terms of even qualifying for nationals,” Clarion sports information director Sean Fagan said. “In two meets, he’s gone from being on the fringe to having one of the eight fastest times in the nation.”
Bocci won the 200-meter butterfly title at the PSAC Championships, swimming the event in 1 minute, 47.27 seconds and shaving 2.08 seconds off his previous best time. He then swam the 200 fly in 1:46.19 at nationals to place eighth and become Clarion’s first top-eight national finisher since 2013.
“David finished so strong. That 1:46.19 time is insane,” said Clarion swim coach Bree Kelly, who was named PSAC Coach of the Year. “He just raised the bar for himself.”
