Max Swiatkowski, '22, is set to continue his swimming career at Northern Michigan University.

On Wednesday, the two-time De La Salle Collegiate swim team MVP celebrated the signing of his National Letter of Intent with the Northern Michigan Wildcats during a ceremony inside the TARMAC at De La Salle. 

He was joined by his mom (Lee) and dad (Donald), as well as Pilots swim coach Jim Singelyn, '90, Principal Brother Ken Kalinowski, FSC, '84, Athletic Director Dan Rohn and Associate Athletic Director Dennis Parks, for the signing.

Swiatkowski knew Northern Michigan was the perfect landing spot for him, as soon as he visited the Division II school's campus in Marquette, Mich.  

"When I first visited the campus, in the Marquette area, I just really fell in love with the entire area and the faculty members and the swim coaching staff, plus the swimmers were just so welcoming," Swiatkowski said. "And, when I committed, I was never more excited in my life.”

In three years as a varsity swimmer, Swiatkowski has garnered a multitude of accolades, including DLS Rookie of the Year and multiple All-Macomb County and All-Catholic honors. His go-to race: the 100-yard backstroke, which he's won a Macomb County championship in.

Singelyn views Swiatkowski as a model student-athlete and as the perfect representation of hard work paving the way for success for an individual.

“It shows that if you work hard, you can go places," Singelyn said of Swiatkowski’s signing. "He made a big impact right when he walked in the door. I mean, he made states as a freshman. He’s a guy that grabbed the torch and just kept carrying it. We were excited when he got to De La Salle. And he’s a great kid, with a high GPA. So, I’ve never had to worry about him."

Swiatkowski will remember his time as a Pilot fondly -- a period of time in his life that has taught him the importance of brotherhood.

"During my time at De La Salle and as a part of the swim team, I've learned that you need to take care of your classmates and teammates, because there may be times where they feel despair and doubt themselves," Swiatkowski said. "And, you have to try to prevent that from happening."

He has the prototypical makeup of a captain, a role that he will take on for Singelyn's team this winter. It's a position that Swiatkowski won’t take lightly.

"I expect to make sure everyone is following directions, and is putting in the necessary time and effort, because Coach Jim doesn't have time to coach people that aren't working hard," Swiatkowski commented.

"Coach Jim," it looks like you made the right call in tabbing Swiatkowski to be a team captain. 

From being a boy that came to De La Salle from L'Anse Creuse Middle School East, to now walking the hallways of The Collegiate as an accomplished senior student, Swiatkowski is the quintessence of the school's famous motto: Builders of Boys. Makers of Men.

Northern Michigan, you're lucky to be getting him next fall.