Michigan State University Athletics
South African Duo Propel MSU
2/23/2006 12:00:00 AM | Swimming and Diving
Feb. 23, 2006
EAST LANSING,Mich. - Deciding on a college is never easy, especially when the school is 8,351 miles, as the crow flies, from home. Four years ago, Capetown, South Africa, natives Ian Clutten and Rudolf Wagenaar took a chance, enrolling at Michigan State. It was a decision both regard as one of the best of their lives.
"Michigan State is a great school, both academically and in sport," Clutten stated. "You have the opportunity to obtain one of the best educations and to compete. At home, only a few guys continue to swim competitively past high school."
Clutten and Wagenaar have been more than competitive while at Michigan State, together accounting for four school records and several first-place finishes. Both Wagenaar and Clutten are members of the 200 and 400 medley relay teams that hold the school's fastest times, and Clutten holds the individual marks in the 100 and the 200 breaststroke.
"Rudy and Ian have been such a large part of our success," head coach Matt Gianiodis said. "They are both just great guys. They have been leaders on our team and two of our biggest point scorers. I really hope they are able to wrap-up their career with big finishes."
With the regular season behind them, Clutten and Wagenaar will take to the water Feb. 23-25 at the Big Ten Championships, hosted by Indiana. Last season, Clutten took third in the 100 and 200 breast at the conference championship meet, while Wagenaar finished 15th in the 100 backstroke.
"There are so many good swimmers in the Big Ten," Wagenaar said. "The coaching, the facilities, everything is just at an entirely different level in the United States. Ian and I are very fortunate that we were able to come to Michigan State and continue swimming."
