For more commitment articles, be sure to check out SwimSwam’s College Recruiting channel.
Gabriel Swardson, a senior at R. Nelson Snider High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana, has given his verbal commitment to the West Virginia University Mountaineers. Swardson is the reigning Indiana high school 100 fly champion, having won a tight 2015 final in 49.14. He also placed tenth in the 200 IM with 1:53.59, and swam fly (22.62) on Snider’s 200 medley relay.
Swardson shared with SwimSwam:
“My father passed away when I was young and swimming filled the huge hole that was left in his absence. Swimming enhanced my life giving me structure, extended family and activities that shaped the person I have become. In my search for the right college and swim team, it was important to me that the team had a family feel to it. I wanted a smaller team where life-long relationships could be cultivated and people didn’t get lost in the numbers. The coaching staff at West Virginia spent time getting to know me throughout the recruiting process, and it was apparent they really cared about their swimmers not just as coaches but as mentors. When I went on my official visit, I clicked with the team and felt very comfortable with everyone there. I know that I will not only become a faster swimmer at West Virginia University, but my life will be enhanced by the people and experiences I will have on this team.”
Swardson is a Summer Juniors qualifier in both the 100 and 200 butterfly events. He swims for Three Rivers Aquatic Club, and his top times over the last two seasons include:
| SCY | LCM | |
| 100 fly | 49.14 | 58.11 |
| 200 fly | 1:47.86 | 2:07.63 |
| 200 IM | 1:53.39 | 2:14.20 |
| 400 IM | 4:04.78 | 4:43.44 |
Swardson will immediately impact the Mountaineers’ results at the conference level. His best 200 fly would have been the highest scoring swim for WVU at the 2015 Big 12 Championships, and his 100 fly would have scored in the B final. With the graduation of Chase Williams after the current season, Swardson will be in a position to vie for the butterfly spot on the Mountaineers’ relays as well.
If you have a commitment to report, please send an email to [email protected]