Colin Shannahan enters his third season as an assistant coach at Rhode Island in 2008-09, after finishing his career as a two-time captain at Columbia University where he set the 200-yard freestyle record. Shannahan was only the fourth athlete in Columbia swimming history to be named team captain as both a junior and senior. He helped Columbia to fifth and sixth-place finishes in the Eastern Intercollegiate Swimming League Championships. Shannahan was named Columbia's most improved swimmer for the 1999-2000 season. The Lincoln, R.I. native was a three-time all-state swimmer at Lincoln High, winning the 200 and 500 freestyle state titles in both his junior and senior years. He set state meet records in both events during his senior year, posting times that were fast enough for consideration for All-American honors. In club competition, Shannahan capped a successful career with a Junior National consolation-final swim in the 200 freestyle for the East Bay Aquatics Club. Shannahan was fortunate enough to work with such swimming talents as Olympians Mark Henderson, Christina Teuscher and Allyson Wagner while at Columbia and is happy to bring that knowledge and experience to Rhode Island. updated: 7/2/08