Swanson, a 6-7 transfer from Minnesota State University-Mankato, will have two years of eligibility remaining. Swanson missed the 2008-09 season due to an injury. In his previous two seasons of competition for the Mavericks, Swanson saw action in a combined 22 games, averaging 1.4 ppg and 1.6 rpg. The Ogden, Iowa native was a four-time first team all-Heart of Iowa selection for the Bulldogs of Ogden. He was a second team all-state selection as a senior after averaging over 16.0 ppg and 10.0 rpg and shooting 52 percent from the field. He was a third team all-state choice as a junior. Swanson finished his decorated high school career as Ogden's all-time scoring leader with 1,437 points. The four-year honor roll member was also a member of the National Honor Society. The son of Gary and Alma Swanson plans to pursue a degree in biology from Briar Cliff.

"We look forward to Kyle joining our basketball program," said Barry. "With hard work he has the opportunity to have an impact right away."

Aaron Zyzda is an eight-time letterwinner for the Warriors of Sergeant Bluff-Luton High School (four in basketball, three in football, and one in track). As a senior, the 6-6 Zyzda received first team all-War Eagle Conference, all-district and third team all-northwest Iowa honors. He averaged 14.9 ppg and 7.6 rpg during his senior campaign. He finished his high school career with 718 points and 428 rebounds, ranking 10^th and eighth, respectively, all-time. He also earned honorable mention all-district accolades in football, senior year. The son of Jeff and Jeanne Zyzda plans to major in business and computer science at Briar Cliff. Jeff is a Briar Cliff graduate.

"We are pleased to have Aaron join our basketball family," said Barry. "He comes from a very strong local program and has worked hard on his game."

Clay Pagels comes to Briar Cliff after two years at Wisner-Pilger High School and two years at West Point Central Catholic, where he was a seven-time letterwinner (four in track and three in basketball). The 6-8 Pagels averaged a school record 20.5 ppg this past season as he scored a single season record of 533 points. He also grabbed 8.9 rpg and registered 4.5 blocks per game. For his efforts, the West Point, Neb. native was recognized with second team all-state honors as well as all-conference and all-area honors. He was also named first team Elite 8 Class C by the Norfolk Daily News and third team by Huskerland Preps. He was also named the track team's MVP as a sophomore. Aside from athletics, the honor roll student has been extremely active in the community. The son of Al and Kathy Pagels plans to major in business at BCU.

"Clay has had an outstanding high school career," said Barry. "With hard work he can duplicate that success in college."

Andy Dykstra was a nine-time letterwinner for the Orabs of Sheldon (three each in basketball, football, and track). He was a two-time first team all-Lakes Conference basketball selection and was named the team's co-MVP, junior year. Aside from athletics, Dykstra was president of both choir and FBLA. The honor roll student also served as National Honor Society treasurer. In addition, he was involved with Student Leadership Team and Steve King's Youth Congressional Board. The son of David and Jill Dykstra plans to major in business finance at Briar Cliff.

"Andy will be a good addition to our program. He comes from a very strong program and is a hard worker," said Barry.

Austin Arndt is a three-time basketball letterwinner for the Blackhawks of Hinton High School. The 6-7 Arndt led the team in rebounding and field goal percentage as a junior and senior. As a senior, the co-captain earned second team Le Mars Daily Sentinel and War Eagle Conference honorable mention honors after averaging 13.8 ppg and a team-high 10.5 rpg. Arndt shot a team-best 62.5 percent from the field as a senior. He was a second team choice by the Le Mars Daily Sentinel as a junior. For his efforts, Arndt has been named the recipient of the 2009 Blackhawk of the Year Award. Aside from athletics, the four-time Academic Athlete Award winner and honor roll member was twice recognized by the United States Achievement Academy. Arndt was also active in the Soundwaves Show Choir and in the community. The son of Mike and Lexi Arndt plans to major in sports management or special education.

"Austin comes from a strong high school program and we look forward to him joining our program," said Barry.

Rounding out this latest list of additions is Zach Kastantin. He is a four-time letterwinner for the Mustangs of Dallas Center-Grimes (two each in football and basketball). As a senior, the 6-5 Kastantin averaged 6.2 ppg and 5.5 rpg and earned Honorable Mention all-Raccoon River Conference. He twice earned special mention all-Dallas County. He finished his playing career with 262 points and 197 rebounds. The Dallas Center, Iowa native earned two academic letters as well as both basketball and football academic all-conference accolades. Aside from athletics, Kastantin was in student council all four years at Dallas Center-Grimes and was a Hawkeye American Legion Boys State Representative. The son of Mike and Debra Kastantin plans to major in criminal justice at Briar Cliff.

"We are pleased to have Zach join the Briar Cliff basketball family," said Barry.

The Chargers are coming off an outstanding 2008-09 season. The Chargers opened the season by playing Notre Dame in an exhibition game and finished the campaign by playing in the NAIA Div. II Men's Basketball National Championship. The Chargers' season came to a close with a record of 23-8.