Greg Stoffa: A Record Setter

Before swim, Osbourn Park senior Greg Stoffa said he tried several other sports. From recreational soccer to pee-wee football, nothing had what he wanted.

Then, he found a sport that allowed him to exercise his competitive drive.

He's been swimming ever since.

"It felt very natural and comfortable,” Stoffa said.

Since stumbling upon the sport, Stoffa has been swimming for more than ten years.

Swimming for both his club team and high school, Stoffa has used the experience he’s gained from his club to better prepare him for high school.

“Club has definitely helped me be successful. I find myself competing against strong swimmers who make me a better swimmer,” he said.

Stoffa cites former teammate Jameson Hill as a source of inspiration. “Hill was a junior national team member and whenever I had the chance, I would try to train with him. He now swims at the University of Georgia,” he said.

Hill is not the only stiff competition Stoffa has faced.

“At the MBAC Christmas meet, I had the chance to swim against Michael Phelps. I was very pumped for the race because racing Phelps added another aspect that forces you to push yourself harder,” he said.

Stoffa has been a member of the Osbourn Park swim program for four years. Since swimming for the local high school, he has taken the program by storm.

Last year, he broke two school records in the 500 meter freestyle and the 200 meter individual medley.

Stoffa’s success did not stop there, coming in second in the 200 meter individual medley state final and first in the 500 meter freestyle.

Stoffa’s record-breaking season led to him being named the News and Messenger Swimmer of the Year.

“It was great to be recognized, but I was more concerned with maintaining good form, so I’ll be able to compete with national times,” he said.

Continuing his strong junior form, Stoffa has remained on-par with last year’s success.

He went unbeaten in the regular season and at regionals, Stoffa placed second in 500 meter freestyle and third at States. He placed first in the 200 meter freestyle at regionals and third at states.

In the fall, Stoffa plans to swim for the University of Virginia.

“Before I committed to UVA, I was looking at Yale, University of Pennsylvania, Penn State, and the University of Maryland prior to the cutting of it’s swim program,” he said.

Stoffa looks to further develop his competitive skills at the college. “I’m hoping to bring another element to the school,” he said.

Stoffa’s drive for success and his demand for perfection is what makes him the Manassas Athlete of the Month.