By Josh Sadlock
Photo Courtesy of Athletic Communications
Each week, Lafayette athletes do great things on the playing field that earn them extra recognition. In the past few weeks, this star made the news for his outstanding accomplishments.
Cory Schutz ‘12 has redefined what it means to be a scholar athlete with his near perfect GPA and his impressive achievements as a member of Lafayette’s Swimming and Diving Team. But the multi-talented Schutz isn’t known for just his academics or his swimming accomplishments.
“Cory has the most distinguishable swagger on the team,” said co-captain Mike Black ‘12. “You can tell he’s walking toward you from a mile away.”
In his time at Lafayette, Schutz has certainly earned the right to carry himself with a little extra swagger. Whether in the pool or in the classroom, he has stood out since his first day on campus.
The current senior kicked off his final season in excellent fashion last Saturday. Swimming against Seton Hall and Loyola, Md., Schutz picked up a victory in the 100 yard breaststroke and a second place in the 200 yard breaststroke.
Schutz and the Lafayette Swimming and Diving program have been training hard for his senior competitions. The Leopards added more dry land training this season in hopes of getting stronger.
“We are looking to get more strength outside the water,” Schutz said. “Hopefully it translates into faster times.”
Thus far, he has been able to notice strength gains in his early season races.
The senior has also stepped into the captain’s role this season. A leader by example, Schutz’ teammates have taken notice of his strong leadership abilities.
“He’s an excellent team leader. [He] leads by example, always does things correctly and to the best of his ability,” Black said.
Through hard work, Schutz has ascended to third all-time in the 100 yard breaststroke and fifth in the 200 yard breaststroke.
Schutz’s training goes beyond practice, making him one of the best swimmers in the history of Lafayette College. “Cory is not afraid to put in extra time after practice in order to assure that aspect of his race is perfect,” James Kugel ‘13 said. “Cory works for everything he earns and deserves to be successful more than anyone I know. And he has been successful!”
His amazing work ethic is not limited to the pool. Schutz has also managed to keep a near perfect GPA majoring in electrical and computer engineering. Although he has sacrificed many long nights, he always strives to do his best work.
“Cory strives for nothing less than perfection in every single aspect of his life,” Kugel said. “He has the self discipline to put in as many hours as it takes to get things right. Cory manages to put 100 percent effort into everything he does—every test, every practice, every assignment.”
As an electrical and computer engineer, Shutz always enjoys playing with electronic devices, from mobile phones toiPODs and learning about the complexities that make them work. He is currently working on a project to develop a small scale Wi-Fi network.
While it may seem like Schutz would not have much free time with his busy schedule, one thing he must make time for is fishing.
Coach Jim Dailey said, “If Cory ever skipped class, you would probably find him fishing.” Dailey and Schutz have developed a unique bond while fishing together. They have fly fished in the Bushkill Creek and went deep sea fishing while on spring break.
Cory Schutz has some big fish to fry as he closes in on his Lafayette career. He is aiming to break the pool record in the 100 yard breaststroke and exceed his best finish at the Patriot League Championships, a sixth place. With incredible focus and determination, anything looks possible for Cory Schutz.