Niagara University shops in Welland for Staples

Just prior to the start of the March Break, Graeme Staples was able to do something he had been dreaming about for a long time.

It was a major moment when the Grade 12 student at Notre Dame officially signed  to be a scholarship swimmer with the Niagara University Purple Eagles in Lewiston, N.Y.

“It was pretty cool to sign in the States,” the 18-year-old said. “I think I dreamed of it when I was a kid, going somewhere in the States and having a signing day. I was really excited about it.”

The Southern Ontario Secondary Schools Athletic Association 200-metre freestyle champion realized he had a chance to be a scholarship swimmer when looking at his times.

“I was thinking it was a real good possibility and once I got on campus it was really good fit and a really nice team. It was ‘Let’s do it.’ ”

Staples also had interest from Canisius, but Niagara won out for a number of reasons.

“It was the culture of the school and the atmosphere among the team,” he said. “It was a good fit and it felt like a family.”

It also didn’t hurt that Niagara is close to his hometown of Welland.

“It was a little bit of a factor,” he said. “Obviously it is nice to be close to home. I am only 45 minutes away and it won’t be far to travel back for Thanksgiving and stuff.”

The future sports management major is planning to live on campus in Lewiston and is excited about the whole experience.

“I am looking forward to just living on my own and stuff,” he said. “That is going to be really cool for me. And I am ready to go fast and show Niagara what I am made of.”

Staples, who also competed in cross country, tennis, squash, badminton for Notre Dame, will be missed by his high school.

“Graeme is much more than a swimmer on the Irish team,” Notre Dame swim coach Lori Major said. “He is the heart at the very centre of the team. He has been actively coaching since he was in Grade 8. There is no doubt his technical skills are exemplary, but they are not what make him a fantastic coach. He is incredibly positive, enthusiastic, but most importantly fully engaged in every moment. At a meet, he is as excited for fellow teammates’ races as his own individual success. He has earned the respect of the entire team.”

Staples has also worked with Notre Dame’s special ed swimmers for the past five years.

“He has inspired, befriended, encouraged and lane coached these swimmers battling physical and intellectual disabilities with genuine joy in his heart,” Major said. “The coaches and entire Notre Dame community are thrilled to see Graeme continue his swimming career at Niagara University.”

The son of Greg and Michele Staples has team goals first and foremost on his mind for his freshman season at Niagara.

“Hopefully we can move up in our conference,” he said. “Last year I think they came close to last and this year and we are trying to move up baby steps.”

Personally, he wants to make that a reality.

“In my first year, I am going to try and go some best times and just get stronger and stronger each day.”
To prepare for his first season, he is constantly working out in the backyard and staying in shape by going on runs.

T.J. Day, the head coach of Staples’ STAR Swimming club in Buffalo, is excited about his swimmer’s future.

“I have been very fortunate to work with Graeme the past three years now. Graeme is without a doubt one of my hardest working athletes over my coaching career,” he said. “Graeme is going to be a great addition to Niagara University for he trains and competes with great passion and a passionate athlete can do some amazing things.”