Special to the LPJ
RUSTON, La. — A trio of swimmers with the Bulldog Aquatic Club and local high schools have signed to compete collegiately at the next level at a signing ceremony last Friday at the Lambright Sports and Wellness Center on the the campus of Louisiana Tech University.
Both Sadie Huenefeld and Owen Frick of Ruston High School signed with Liberty University and the University of Missouri – St. Louis, respectively, while McKenzie Jones of Cedar Creek signed with Ouachita Baptist University.
“All of these athletes have spent years to get to this next stepping stone,” Bulldog Aquatic Club and Ruston High School Swim Coach Paulette Butterfield said. “We are proud of what they have accomplished so far representing their schools and our club. I am excited for them and the great things they will still do in swimming and in life.”
Sadie Huenefeld, Ruston High School
*Bulldog Aquatic Club member for 10 years
*Signed with Liberty University – Division I in Lynchburg, Virginia
*Why Liberty? Siblings have attended, good experiences with school and program
*Field of Study – to be determined
*Events – Sprint Freestyle, Breaststroke
*Swimming notables – 2024 USA Swimming Scholastic All-American, 2024 LHSAA Outstanding Female Swimmer of the Meet / team member of the 2024 RHS State Runner-up team at the 2024 LHSAA meet / 1st place finishes in the 50 freestyle and 100 breaststroke at the 2024 LSHAA State Championships / multi year and event qualifier for Texas Sectionals, Junior Nationals and Futures Championships
Owen Frick, Ruston High School
*Bulldog Aquatic Club team member for 7 years
*Signed with University of Missouri St. Louis – Division II
*Why UMSL? Knowledge of program from former teammates, welcoming, fit in with the program
*Field of Study – Education
*Events – Mid-distance Freestyle, Butterfly
*Swimming notables – 1st place finishes at 2024 LHSAA state meet in the 100 and 200 freestyle / team member of the 2024 RHS State Runner-up team at the 2024 LHSAA meet / multi year and event qualifier for Texas Sectionals and Futures Championships
McKenzie Jones, Cedar Creek
*Bulldog Aquatic Club team member for 10 years
*Signed with Ouachita Baptist University – Division II in Arkadelphia, Ark.
*Why OBU? Good program for distance swimmers, nice coaches and nice campus
*Field of Study – Biology / Premed
*Events – Distance Freestyle, Backstroke, Butterfly
*Swimming notables – 2024 LHSAA 2nd place finishes 200 free, 500 free
