Senior Athletes Sign With Villanova, Iona 

Xavier celebrated two of its student-athletes—Malik Fisher ’17, who will play football at Villanova University, and Conor Mullin ’17, who will swim for Iona College—during a National Signing Day celebration on February 1.

President Jack Raslowsky, Headmaster Michael LiVigni, and Athletic Director Anthony Paolozzi joined coaches, family, and friends at the ceremony in the Arrupe Library.

“We are happy for and proud of Malik. He has been a three-year varsity starter in three sports—football, basketball, and rugby—which is unprecedented,” said football coach and history teacher Chris Stevens ’83. “A gentleman off the field while maintaining a B average, he is known by two monikers: "The Happiest Guy at Xavier," because he always has a smile on his face, and "Clifford, the Big Red Dog," because at 6'3" and 235 pounds, he still has not filled out yet and like Clifford, he still does not realize how big he can be. The coaches at Villanova love his speed, size, athleticism, and upside potential. Both his position coach/defensive coordinator and his strength coach cannot wait to begin working toward developing him to the next level.”

English teacher and assistant swimming coach Bill Martino had similar accolades for Conor Mullin. "Conor's incredible achievement is a testament to his own determination and drive,” Martino said. “He has memorized not only his best times, but also the best times of any swimmer who comes close to him. He sets goals for himself and sees to it that he succeeds."

For all photos from the National Signing Day celebration, click here. Congratulations and good luck to Fisher and Mullin!