The Michigan Wolverines added another swimmer to their distance corps this week, getting a verbal commitment from Texas freestyler Blake Maczka.
Michigan has had some historic successes with its distance group, but also needs fresh blood there after graduating Olympian Connor Jaeger last spring. Maczka looks like a great fit for that role beginning in 2015.
“I chose Michigan because of it’s unique blend of academic and athletic merit and it’s tradition of distance swimming,” Maczka told SwimSwam this week.
From the City of Richardson Swim Team in Richardson, Texas, Maczka is already rapidly approaching the 15 minute barrier in the 1650 free. He put up his lifetime-best at NCSA Juniors last March, and has a shot to threaten a 14-minute swim before he ever sets foot on the Michigan campus.
Maczka’s Top Times
- 500 free: 4:26.74
- 1000 free: 9:09.47
- 1650 free: 15:16.44
He’s also an accomplished long course swimmer, with bests of 8:09.16 and 15:36.10 in the 800 and 1500, respectively.
Maczka announced his decision on Twitter this week, saying he was “beyond excited” about his future training home.
I’m beyond excited to announce that I’ve verbally committed to swim for the University of Michigan next year. Go Blue!
— Blake Maczka (@blakemaczka) October 16, 2014
When you arrive in Ann Arbor, remember that a buckeye is a worthless nut.
A great kid taking after his parents. Congratulations!.