Eastern Illinois University Athletics

2012-13 ... Finished a busy senior season by competing in nine different individual events ... including five different freestyle races and the 100-Back and 100 & 200-Breasts.

2011-12 ... Swam in seven events in his junior campaign, which included setting personal season bests in the 500 and 1650-Free, as well as the 400-IM at the Summit League meet... had the second fastest Panther time in the 1000-Free, as well as earning the third best EIU finish in both the 500 and 1650-Free... also a member of the 800-Free Relay that finished with a third best time with him swimming the third leg.

2010-11 ... Once again saw significant action in seven events… sported the fastest time by a Panther in the 1650-Free… and swam the second quickest finish in the 1000-Free race as well.

2009-10 ... Swam in multiple events as a true freshman, including the distance freestyle, earning the second fastest times in both the 1000 and 1650 races… also saw action in both the 100/200 Breast and 200/400 IM swims.

HIGH SCHOOL ... Earned four letters as a member of the Edwardsville HS swim squad... led by coaches Bob Rettle and Rob Busby... set a record in the 1650-Free while a member of the Edwardsville Breakers club squad in 2005... the Breakers club earned Illinois YMCA State Championship honors from 2007-09... and multi-year Ozark District championships in 1997-09... named to the Who’s Who Among America’s High Schoolers... also earned National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society and High Honor Roll kudos.

PERSONAL ... Majoring in elementary education middle level option, with a focus in social studies… son of Stephen & Kathy Rhoten… born on March 18... credits his previous coach Bob Rettle for having the biggest influence on his sports career, “because he pushed me to new limits in my sports career and is a life-long friend”… his No. 1 sports highlight was “winning the 100-Breast race at the YMCA state meet at the age of 14.”

OUT OF THE WATER WITH CHRISTIAN ... ‘C-Rho’ chose to come to EIU “because I liked the campus and Eastern has a great education program … also, it’s close to home but far enough away that I don’t feel like I haven’t gone anywhere”… sports a hidden talent of being able to fix almost anything... currently driving a 2000 Kia Sportage, nicknamed "The Space Shuttle"… favorite food is steak and potatoes, but dislikes sushi and mayo… favorite tv show is The Office… family owns two dogs named Otis and Daisy… he can't go anywhere without his wallet... recently enjoyed taking Dr. White's match class... his advice to a younger swimmer would be “enjoy every second of it because in a blink of you will be a senior and be looking back on it all”… his personal goals include “becoming a great teacher and a father.”