SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. --- Alex Ness is trading in the beautiful beaches of San Clemente for the beaches of Huntington and Newport and the great fun of Disneyland as he commits to Biola University Swimming & Diving.

Ness spent his high school career at Santa Margarita Catholic High School, where he recorded personal-bests of 1:44.67 in the 200-freestyle, :47.78 in the 100-freestyle and competed at the CIF and State levels.

He will continue to be a sprint and middle-distance freestyle swimmer when he arrives at Biola next fall to train and compete under Head Coach Ryan Kauth. He comes into his Biola career with both of his times being about three seconds off the Biola school records held by Chris Stutzman.

"We're really excited to have him coming to the team. We're excited to have someone with the background he has coming from a very competitive league, the Trinity league," said Kauth. "We are excited for the immediate impact he can make on our relays and with our freestyle group to make us a deeper team."

Ness is a leader, beign named team captain of his high school team and also earning an academic athlete award. He was also the team captain of his club team (San Clemente Aquatics) and was voted most improved on his club team in 2018.

He's actively involved in student life at SMCHS, serving on the board for both the Ronald McDonald club and Blankets of Courage.

"I chose Biola to expand my faith and join a community of believers that I can share morals with," said Ness. "A quickly expanding swim team caught my interest with a brilliant coach and a very fun and hard-working team."

Catch Ness in the pool at Biola beginning in fall of 2019.