2006 OFA graduate continues his swimming passion with U.S. Masters

A 2006 Owego Free Academy (OFA) graduate, Andrew (Andy) Catlin, realized at a young age that swimming was his favorite sport. A standout swimmer at OFA, and a collegiate champion in college, Catlin, now 26, continues his passion for the sport by competing with U.S. Masters Swimming.

Jumping in a pool for the first time at baseball camp and again during physical therapy following a football injury, Catlin opted for swimming in seventh grade. A member of the group that initiated the first use of OFA’s high school pool, Catlin’s name remains on several of the varsity and club record boards. Catlin also participated and earned medals at the Empire State games.

Jason Westervelt, head varsity swim coach and aquatics director at OFA, first coached Catlin in 2004. Westervelt shared, “Andy was dedicated and goal oriented,” and added, “He is a determined person who tries to better himself, and is always pushing himself to reach a new goal.”

Swimming success followed Catlin in college, most notably at Denison University in Columbus, Ohio. Denison University is recognized as having one of the best programs in the nation for the sport of swimming, and according to Westervelt, “It’s the elite of the swim world and not easy to qualify,” and he added, “It’s the best of the best.”

Catlin’s name is listed on Denison University’s “All-Time Men’s Champions” list. Head swimming coach, Gregg Parini, Catlin’s coach for the four years Andy attended Denison, stated by phone, “Andy was diligent, with an excellent work ethic.” Catlin won the 200-freestyle and proved to be an integral part of the entire team. Parini added, “It was great that Andy had a break-out senior year.”

By his own description, and recognized by his proud mother, Karen, Catlin keeps himself extremely busy and challenged. With a Bachelor’s and Masters under his belt in the fields of Sports Medicine, Athletic Training, and Biology from Denison University and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Catlin now lives in Indianapolis, Indiana where he is continuing his education while working as a swim coach and athletic trainer.

Catlin shared, “My ultimate goal is to become a Physician Assistant in the emergency room, including performing surgery.” His well-rounded background and experience lends itself to a wide variety of roles in a hospital setting, which he will pursue once he completes his second Masters degree from Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis.

Catlin did step away from the pool for about three years, and found that the time helped heal a previous injury. He jumped back into the pool in the early spring of 2014, competed at the California nationals, and then went on to the FINA world masters championship in Montreal this summer. Catlin’s results in Montreal qualified him for the 2015 Pan American Masters Championship slated for Colombia, South America next summer.

Some perks of Catlin’s job as an athletic trainer has given him the opportunity to meet and help famous people in the sports world and entertainment industry. Catlin provided massage therapy sessions to Def Leppard band members, the Beatles reunion tour, Billy Currington and Lady Antebellum, as well as players from professional sports teams.

Catlin believes his swimming ability is still “within college times,” yet his thought process is not only to compete to win, but also to have fun. He shared that his passion for swimming, “Is a lifestyle.” Undoubtedly, once he achieves his physician assistant goal, Catlin will continue to be an inspiration, sharing his passion for physical fitness.