KEITH RIZZI `91

When Keith Rizzi joined the Hightstown Swimming Program, he not only set new school records, but also redefined the word "dedication." Keith Rizzi was a 4 year varsity letter winner and Captain during his senior year.

Rizzi, a freestyle, backstroke and relay specialist, made his most impressive marks during his senior year when, as captain, he set many school records which still stand today. At the Mercer County Team championships, Rizzi set new school marks in the 50-yard (22.23) freestyle, and the 100-yard (56.27) backstroke. With teammates Reid Lamberty, Tom Baer and Ed Hirshman, Rizzi set a new relay mark -133.36 for the 200-yard freestyle relay. Rizzi earlier logged a 1:44.46 in the 200-yard medley relay with the team of Robert Tuleya, Lamberty and Baer, good enough for first place.  In Rizzi's final high school meet, State Individuals, he placed 10th in both the 50-yard freestyle (22.30 and 100-yard backstroke (56.02). The same 200-relay foursome also placed ninth in the state (1:33.63).  For his efforts that year, Keith earned All-CVC First Team honors, was named most valuable swimmer of the Mercer County Championship Meet, and finally, Colonial Valley Conference Swimmer of the Year.

After graduating from Hightstown High in 1991, Rizzi joined the Drexel University Dragons Varsity Swim Team for four years, and for the second time in his career, was named captain during his senior year. Rizzi lead the Dragons to two consecutive undefeated seasons during his freshman and sophomore years.

As a senior, Rizzi reached the pinnacle of his career when he crushed his personal best in the 50-meter freestyle with a time of 21.12, earning the title of America East Champion.

Rizzi graduated from Drexel in 1995 with a B.S. in Graphic Design. He began his career as a graphic designer with Peterson's in Princeton, New Jersey, and later with Porter Novelli, a public relations agency, in New York City. In February 2000, Keith and his fiancee, Debra Zapotocky established Rizco Design, a graphic design boutique in New York City. The couple currently live in Hoboken and are getting married October 21, 2001. Rizzi still enjoys extracurricular activities in his free time such a surfing, mountain biking, golfing and running.