Butler senior Ben Borvendeg is all smiles as he signs a letter of intent to continue his swimming career at Case Western Reserve. He is joined at the signing by Butler swim coach Dave Bocci. John Enrietto/Butler Eagle

BUTLER TWP — While swimming for Butler, Ben Borvendeg was a difference-maker.

Expect more of the same in college.

The Golden Tornado senior recently signed a letter of intent to continue his academic and swimming career at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. Borvendeg also considered Clarion before opting to join the Spartans.

He plans to major in business management.

“They stress academics there and the swimmers on the team are incredible,” Borvendeg said. “They have an awesome coaching staff and really nice kids. I can’t wait to get started there.”

He had a pretty strong finish at Butler.

Borvendeg is a two-time WPIAL champion in the 50-yard freestyle. He placed fourth at the PIAA Championships in that event his junior year and fifth as a senior. He owns the Butler school record of 20.69 seconds in the 50 free and 46.24 seconds in the 100 free. Borvendeg also swam in three relay events that are among Butler’s best all-time.

“I’ve been working with Ben in the pool since he was in sixth grade,” Butler swim coach Dave Bocci said. “It’s very rewarding to me to see this opportunity happen for him. He’s been one of my hardest workers through the years.

“I’m excited to see what he’s going to do at Case. That program is a perfect fit for him.”

Competing in the University Athletic Association, the Spartans finished sixth at the UAA Championships this season. Seneca Valley graduate Trevor Elliott is a diver on the squad.

Doug Milliken has been Case Western’s men’s and women’s swim coach for 12 years. His record in dual meets with the men’s team is 89-17-1 and he has coached swimmers to 45 school records.

A two-time UAA Coach of the Year, Milliken has coached 12 individual and three relay NCAA All-Americans.

“Ben can go in there and make an impact on their team right away,” Bocci said. “I’m very confident he will do that. He will practice a lot more and that will make a difference.”

Bocci said NCAA regulations allow for 20 hours of practice time in the pool each week during the season. That does not include dry-land conditioning and weight room work.

“I know the workload’s going to be greater, but I’m preparing to make that adjustment,” Borvendeg said. “Our practices were pretty rugged here at Butler. The additional workouts will help me improve.

“I want to make an impact as a freshman. My goals are to break some team records and do well at NCAA’s. I want to solidify my place on the team. Being a sprint swimmer, there’s always ways to increase your speed.

“I know I haven’t peaked yet. I’m excited to see how far I can go.”