Several students have taken a long and unorthodox road to Castleton – especially for Spartan baseball player, Nick Swim.

Swim has made great contributions for the Spartans this season, but this also carries true for other teams in the past.

As a Vermont native, Swim has been a baseball standout since playing for Bellows Free Academy in St. Albans. At BFA he was an all-state selection, and was distinguished as the Gatorade Player of the year.

After high school, Swim chose to take a post-graduate year at Bridgton Academy to further develop his skills. At Bridgton, Swim posted impressive numbers as a third baseman. His bat and high Baseball IQ did not go unnoticed, as several division 1 schools were scouting him.

However, the choice was pretty easy for Swim as he accepted a scholarship to play for the New Jersey Institute of Technology. Swim believed the up and coming program was a good fit, and he would have the opportunity to make an immediate impact.

He did just that.

In his first season at NJIT, Swim started at third base and posted a .230 batting average on the season.

Things certainly looked promising as Swim moved into his next season.

However, a major injury provided for a sophomore slump for Swim.

At the beginning of the season Swim tore his right labrum causing him to redshirt and sit out for most of it.

This particular injury is nearly impossible to play through as a baseball player, and certainly served as a struggle for Swim.

He continued with his rehab plan throughout the year and tried to get healthy.

“It was difficult not being able to play, but I stuck through it,” he said.

Swim then decided the school wasn’t the best fit for him, and he began looking for a new one.

The right fit just happened to be close to home, as Swim transferred to Castleton in the fall of 2014.

“I wanted to come to Castleton because of the high level of baseball,” said Swim.  “Castleton has always had a proud winning tradition and I wanted to be a part of that.”

Swim has certainly helped keep the tradition alive, as the Spartans are 26-9 on the year.

His numbers have been impressive posting a .402 batting average with 20 runs, one home run, 20 RBI’s and also being named North Atlantic Conference player of the week.

For swim, what felt like the right choice has certainly proved to be.

“I love ever part of Castleton, the small school atmosphere, the baseball team, the teachers, and friends,” he said.