Where Are They Now? Ryan Murphy '98

This is our fifth installment in a series of five questions with former Pirate student-athletes. If you often wonder what some of your favorite players from years past are up to, be sure to visit SHUpirates.com each month to see if that player is on our list. We will feature players from all of our sports programs.

This week we are catching up with former swimmer Ryan Murphy who competed for the Pirates from 1994-98. While at SHU, Ryan qualifed for the BIG EAST Championships multiple times and was twice named a BIG EAST Academic All-Star. In his senior year, he was part of a record-setting 400-yard medley relay team and helped establish a mark that stood for over 10 years.

1. Where do you live now and what are you up to these days?

I currently live in Red Bank NJ with my wife, Elizabeth. I am a FINRA Registered Principal for the OTC Markets Group in SOHO, primarily engaged with Market Maker and trade support.

2. What is your favorite memory as a Pirate?

I had so many great memories while a Pirate. I'd have to say though my favorite would be competing at the BIG EAST Championships every February. The competition was fierce and it was the one meet you really targeted and trained for all year. In events where I was fortunate enough to medal in, standing on the awards dais and knowing that I was representing Seton Hall was an honor and tremendous thrill.

3. Do you still keep in touch with any of your former teammates and if so, who?

Absolutely, in fact the Prudential Center is usually where we all meet up for Seton Hall Men’s Basketball games.  Some teammates I see regularly at games are Walter Bell, Ed Martinez & Al McFee (team manager). Others I see periodically like Chris Randall, Jon Paparsenos, Geoff Basford and Chris D'Anna.  Then of course there's all the Pirates that I either swam with or coached who I stay connected with through Facebook.

4. Do you still follow the Pirates and what are your thoughts on the program today?

Definitely follow the Pirates in the pool each season.  The program has remained competitive and continues to produce some great swimmers.   I wish the men’s and women’s team the best as the continue their season.  I also follow the men’s basketball team closely and haven't been this excited or optimistic for the program since my student days.  It seems evident that Coach Willard has the program moving in the right direction from both a recruiting standpoint and the team's style of play.  Hopefully the team can build off of last year's success and prove this year's preseason BIG EAST coaches poll completely irrelevant, again.

5. I notice you are a Pirate Blue member, thank you for your support. Why do you support Pirate Blue and why do you think it's important to give back?

Pirate Blue has done a terrific job in recent years galvanizing the former student athlete contingent of SHU alumni.   That said, I feel it's important to support Pirate Blue in order to enable our athletic programs to be as competitive as possible with the programs at other large institutions.  Who knows better what a prospective athlete's needs, wants, concerns are when choosing a university, than former athletes themselves.  I hope Pirate Blue continues to organize even more alumni events and the number of former athletes coming back to support the various programs continues to grow.

Previous Where Are They Now? Interviews:

October 24, 2012

Melissa Bellomy - Volleyball, 2006-2009

October 10, 2012

Amy Mellin - Softball, 1999-2002

September 28, 2012

Jason Hernandez - Men's Soccer, 2001-04

September 14, 2012

Arturas Karnisovas - Men's Basketball, 1990-94