Fitter and Faster Swim Clinics is the proud sponsor of SwimSwam’s College Recruiting Channel and all commitment news. For many, swimming in college is a lifelong dream that is pursued with dedication and determination. Fitter and Faster is proud to honor these athletes and those who supported them on their journey.
One of the bigger Division III pickups in recent memory, Swarthmore College has landed Andrew Karpenko and Ben Wesley for their incoming class of 2024.
ANDREW KARPENKO
A native of Minnesota and a member of Aquajets Swim Team, Karpenko is a huge snag for The Garnet.
I am very excited to announce my verbal commitment to Swarthmore College! I can’t wait to be a part of a team with an amazingly positive atmosphere, fantastic coaches, and a hunger to continue to compete at the next level. Go Garnet!!!
TOP TIMES
- 50y free – 21.28
- 100y free – 46.44
- 100y back – 51.31
- 100y breast – 54.41
- 200y breast – 2:01.19
- 100y fly – 50.04
- 200y IM – 1:48.05
Karpenko is a breaststroke specialist, but he’s a strong sprinter in all four strokes, putting it all together for a great 200 IM. This summer, he went 1:03.22 in the 100 breast in long course, which notched an Olympic Trials cut.
Given the 2019 graduations of 55-second breaststrokers Christopher Smith and Jeffrey Tse, Karpenko’s addition will be very key for Swarthmore to rise in D3. They placed 31st at the 2019 NCAA DIII Championships, scoring a total of 12 points.
As his times stand right now, Karpenko would’ve been 4th in the 200 IM, 5th in the 100 breast and 11th in the 200 breast at the 2019 NCAA Championships.
BEN WESLEY
A senior at Episcopal Academy in Pennsylvania, Ben Wesley trains with the Ridley Area YMCA Stingrays.
I am overjoyed to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at Swarthmore College! I send a BIG thank you to everyone that helped me along the way in and out of the pool, especially my parents, family, coaches, and teammates. I would like to also thank Coach Karin, Coach Sam, and Coach Michael for making the SwatSwim family the perfect fit for me! I am excited to call Swarthmore my home for the next four years. GO GARNET!!!
TOP TIMES
- 50y free – 21.20
- 100y free – 46.40
- 200y free – 1:43.02
- 100y breast – 57.22
- 200y breast – 2:07.54
- 200y IM – 1:54.49
Also a strong breaststroker, like Karpenko, Wesley is just a hair quicker in the 50 and 100 free races. His 100 breast comes in faster than anyone on Swarthmore’s current roster, while his sprint free strengths should have an immediate impact on The Garnet roster.
The departing Tse, Swarthmore’s #2 100 breaststroker last year, also had a 44-second split on their 400 free relay. He also split a 20.28 on their 200 free relay; both Wesley and Karpenko will help make up for his loss by likely both immediately joining those sprint free relays.
If you have a commitment to report, please send an email with a photo (landscape, or horizontal, looks best) and a quote to [email protected].
About the Fitter and Faster Swim Tour
The Fitter & Faster Swim Tour produces swim clinics featuring elite stars of the sport and the most innovative teaching platforms. FFT Swim Clinics can be customized to meet age and skill level of every team and community. Call 786-837-6880 or visit http://www.fitterandfaster.com/ to learn more.
FFT SOCIAL
Instagram – @fitterandfasterswimtour
Facebook – @fitterandfastertour
Twitter – @fitterandfaster
FFT is a SwimSwam partner.
Johns Hopkins also has a very strong 2020 recruiting class for DIII. Still waiting on Denison, Emory to fill out their rosters
I am pretty sure that is the fastest 100BR and 200IM times recruited to D3 in the last decade (and therefore probably ever). Humphrey Pruett (Kenyon) was 54.7, and Tristan Lin (JHU) was 1:48.6 in 2IM. Those are the runner-ups that I am aware of. Many others have been faster in the 2breast though.
Interesting
Smart swimmers!