Louisiana State University has received a verbal commitment from Tyler Harper, a senior at Marietta High School in Marietta, Georgia. He will join their roster next fall, for the 2015-2016 season.
Harper is primarily a sprint and mid-distance freestyler, representing Stingrays Swimming. His club team has already qualified five swimmers for the 2016 Olympic Trials and Harper could be qualifying soon as well. As a junior, he won the 50 Free at the 2013-2014 Georgia 6A High School State Championships and placed fifth in the 100 Free. He has experience racing at the junior national level as well, placing 58th in the 100 Free, 60th in the 50 Free, and 50th in the 200 Free at the 2013 Winter Junior Nationals. To finish his junior season, he placed 29th in the 50 Free, 43rd in the 100 Free, and 138th in the 200 Free at the 2014 Summer Junior Nationals.
Harper’s Best Times
(SCY/LCM)
50 Free: 20.60/23.67
100 Free: 45.53/52.09
200 Free: 1:40.36/1:55.11
100 Back: 51.19/1:00.20
100 Fly: 51.14/58.12
He Is Getting Faster
Harper’s best times in short course are all from his junior season, which shows that he is progressing well towards competing at the collegiate level. His 50 and 100 Free also improved this summer, showing that he is in good form heading into his senior season. Since his freshman season, Harper has improved his short course 100 Free by three seconds, his 50 Free by nearly three seconds, and his 200 Free by five seconds.
Currently, Harper’s 50, 100, and 200 Free are not quite at the scoring level in the deep SEC, but by the time he is a Tiger that could change. As a freshman, he may have an immediate impact on the Tiger’s 200, 400, and 800 Freestyle Relay. Harper’s 100 Fly/Back may also be developed in the next year or once he arrives in Louisiana, but it is likely that his freestyle speed is going to be a great asset to the Tigers.