Ryan Flynn
Co-FOUNDER
Ryan met Mikey and Angie at Baruch College while he was a four year swimmer for the Bearcats. During his time there he was a two year captain who won three conference championships (including the first in school history 2009/2010), was a 4X CUNYAC All Star, 4X ECAC Open Championship qualifier, and won the CUNYAC Sportsmanship Award. He also set eight school records, three conference records, and finished with the second most career points in school history only being surpassed recently in 2016 to fall to third.
After college he was an assistant coach for both Men’s & Women’s swim teams at Baruch where he helped the Women’s program win their fifth consecutive CUNYAC Championship. Ryan was also a swim instructor for Baruch’s Continuing and Professional Studies (CAPS).
Ryan finds it easy to relate to his students because he also got into the sport later than most. Originally a baseball and basketball player, Ryan experienced a shoulder injury going into his Junior year of high school and found swimming to be a great form of physical therapy. Through hard work and great coaching he became one of the best swimmers in Baruch’s history. He’s so grateful for what the sport has given him and wants to share it with as many people as possible.
R. Michael Shiwnath
Co-FOUNDER
Mikey, a native of Queens, 15 year veteran lifeguard at Jones Beach, and a 2011 graduate from Baruch College with a degree in Corporate Communications and Psychology, brings plenty of swimming experience to 220 Fitness.
Michael’s been involved in swimming for over 25 years, ranging from his own swimming career to teaching individuals swimming abilities. He was a four year athlete for Baruch Men’s swim team and an instructor for Baruch’s Continuing and Professional Studies (CAPS).
During his tenure at Baruch swimming he broke a number of school & conference records while winning several accolades including: CUNYAC Rookie of the Year, CUNYAC Swimming Championship MVP, 2X CUNYAC Swimmer of Year, 4X CUNYAC All-Star, 2011 Baruch Male Athlete of the year, 3x ECAC Open Championship qualifier, and helped bring the Baruch Men’s Swimming program its second CUNYAC Championship in 2011.
Before creating 220 Fitness with Baruch teammate Ryan Flynn, Shiwnath also previously served as an assistant swim coach for Baruch’s Swim Program helping coach and train both the Women and Men’s swimmers to win three CUNYAC Championships during his tenure.
One of Michael’s biggest passions is helping people learn and overcome the fear of the water. This passion is fueled by knowing that he is making a difference by teaching lifesaving swimming skills.
Angeoline Piguave-Cowan
Head instructor
Angie is in her 12th season as assistant swim coach and strength training coach at Baruch College. She is also in her 4th season as the head coach for the Women’s Cross Country and 3rd season as the head coach for the Men’s Cross-Country team at Baruch.
She graduated from Binghamton University with a degree in Anthropology, and Spanish Literature and has a Master’s degree in Education from Queens College. After college while working for the Flushing YMCA she traveled to Venezuela as an instructor/trainer to conduct high-level classes in aquatics and fitness.
Before coming to the United States, she swam on her local swim team. She spent five years as an assistant coach for the Flushing Flyers Swim Team.
Angeoline has been actively involved in swimming for over 25 years, teaching the Continuing and Professional Studies (CAPS) and teaching swimming as an adjunct professor for the athletic department for Baruch College. In addition, she is no stranger to multisports; Swimming, Cycling & Running are her expertise. She has competed in short distance and long-distance triathlons/Ironman races competing in Ironman Florida, Ironman Brazil, and Ironman Maryland as well as competing in “Master Swimming”.