Ben Severino

Ben Severino was a standout swimmer at Dowling Catholic, earning four state qualifications and capturing three state championships. He posted eight top-10 finishes at the Iowa High School State Swimming Meet from 2010–2013, including winning the 200-yard freestyle in 2013 and placing runner-up in the same event in 2012. Ben also secured a third-place finish in the 100-yard butterfly in 2013 and contributed to the 400-yard freestyle relay team’s state titles in 2012 and 2013.

Ben helped lead DCHS to multiple top team finishes at state, including second-place finishes in 2010 and 2012 and third place in 2013. He served as team captain his senior year, played a pivotal role during three undefeated dual meet seasons, and was Dowling’s highest individual scorer for three consecutive years. His accolades include District Athlete of the Year (2011), two-time First Team All-State, two-time Scholastic All-American, and Academic All-State honors.

Continuing his swimming career at the University of Denver, Ben contributed to four Summit League Team Championships and three NCAA Division I top-25 team finishes. He earned six top-three individual finishes at the Summit League Championships between 2015–2017, highlighted by winning the 100 IM in 2017 and finishing as runner-up in both the 200 and 400 IM. A team captain and four-time First Team All-Conference honoree, Ben achieved NCAA B Cut standards in his final three seasons and was twice named Summit League Swimmer of the Week.

Ben’s academic achievements include four selections to the Academic All-Conference Team, three-time Scholastic All-American recognition, and placement on the Summit League All-Academic Team. He also received the University of Denver’s Most Distinguished Third-Year Student Award in 2016.

Today, Ben works as an account executive at The Trade Desk in Chicago, IL. Reflecting on his time at Dowling, Ben treasures training under Coach Mark Crouch, lifelong friendships, and the experience of being a third-generation Dowling Catholic graduate. He credits Dowling Catholic for providing an environment in which he could thrive academically, athletically, and socially.