Florida State Gets Verbals From International Sprinters Rogic, Lavotha

The Florida State men will be bringing in some international sprint talent next fall now that Hungary’s Oszkar Lavotha and Croatia’s Kristofer Rogic have announced their verbal commitments to join the Seminoles.

Since they haven’t competed in the U.S., neither of them currently has any short course yards times, but their long course meter times indicate their potential. Each of them has a history of representing their country at high-level international junior meets.

Oszkar Lavotha

Lavotha has represented Hungary at a number of international meets, including the Junior World Championships. His accomplishments include a 5th place finish at the European Games, a 6th place finish at the Junior World Championships, and a 6th place finish at the Short Course European Championships.

Lavotha is a 22.5/50.7 sprint freestyler in long course meters, which translates to a 19.5 in the 50 and 44.2 in the 100 through the time conversion tool.

On his commitment:

” I chose FSU because I really liked both the school and the swimming team. Their system is so unique and developed. I’m sure FSU is the right place for me. I can’t wait to be a Seminole!”

Lavotha’s Top Times:

If Lavotha’s speed translates into yards as expected, he’s good enough to score in the top 8 of the 50 freestyle at the ACC Championships. That would be a big help to FSU in terms of individual scoring and relays, as the Seminoles will graduate Jason McCormick after this season.

When he arrives in Tallahassee, Lavotha will team up with ACC finalist Chad Mylin, who placed 7th in the 50 at 2016 ACCs.

Kristofer Rogic

Rogic is a strong sprinter with his 51.29 in the 100 meter free, but he extends his range to the 200 free (1:53.48), 100 back (58.00), and 200 IM (2:08.22) as well. Using the time conversion tool, his personal bests translate to 44.7/1:39.3 in the sprint freestyles, 1:52.6 in the 200 IM, and 51.1 in the 100 back.

This summer, Rogic represented Coratia at the 2016 European Junior Championships, where he competed in the 100 free, 200 free, and 100 back. He also competed in the Croatian National Championships, where he showed off his range by making the finals of the 50 back, 200 IM, and 400 IM.

Rogic’s Top Times:

If Rogic’s speed translates into yard as expected, he should be within tenths of the 44.2 it took to score in the 100 free at last season’s ACC Championships. He’ll also be a viable option for the Seminoles to use on their 400 and 800 freestyle relays.

At FSU, Rogic will join Lavotha and Mylin in his sprint training. He’ll also get to train alongside Emir Muratovic, who scored at the 2016 ACC meet as a freshman in the 200 free.