An academic program persuaded Belle Vernon graduate Robert Spekis to continue his swimming career near the sea.
Spekis, 19, a freshman on the Nova Southeastern men’s team in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., plans to study marine biology.
“I looked for a school that met my academic needs and also had a competitive swim program,” said Spekis, a two-time USA Swimming Boys Scholastic All-American. “I found the best of both at NSU.”
The university, which is home to the Miami Dolphins training facility, has an oceanography center devoted to marine sciences.
The Sharks have been Sunshine State Conference champions the past three seasons. They top the conference with five titles since 2011.
They placed 12th in the NCAA Division II championship meet last season.
Spekis — a two-time WPIAL Class AA champion in the boys 200-yard individual medley and 100 breaststroke and the 2019 PIAA champion in the 100 breaststroke — said the biggest adjustment to college swimming was the sheer amount of training.
“Getting acclimated quickly to the pace of a student-athlete, and the higher level of competition, were my biggest adjustments,” he said.
He said his goals are to contribute to the team and grow as a person.
Sharks coach Ben Hewitt said Spekis is making great strides and looks forward to prepping him for championship season.
“Adjusting to college swimming is tough, but he has demonstrated grit and a strong work ethic,” Hewitt said. “He is a great teammate and carries himself with a positive attitude.
“Robby has adjusted quickly and we see potential not only this year, but as he progresses in his career. He performed well at the highly competitive Fall Frenzy (meet) last month.”
At the 13-team invitational in Charlotte, N.C., Spekis made the “B” final in the 100 breaststroke, in which he placed 15th in 57.98 seconds. He competed in the “D” final in the 200 breaststroke (2:11.73). He was on the 200 medley relay team that came in ninth (1:32.83), as well as in two other relays. The Sharks finished third.
