The Ohio State Buckeyes have gotten a verbal commitment from California butterflyer Michael Salazar.
Salazar comes to Columbus from El Cajon, California, where he competes for the Heartland Swim Association. Salazar’s most notable for his 100 fly times in both short course and long course – he’s been on the rise, putting up lifetime-bests in both versions of the event over the past season.
Salazar has been 49.03 in short course and 55.86 long course. That should be nice potential for Ohio State’s coaches to work with – they just graduated national butterfly star Tim Phillips last spring.
“I chose Ohio State because I got along incredibly well with the coaches who I know will put me in a position to be successful,” Salazar said, adding that he liked “the strong brotherhood of the team, and the incredible reputation and tradition of the school.”
It would make sense for Salazar to continue to develop as a 200 flyer as well. He’s been 1:54.50 in that event short course. Salazar has also put up a 1:40.43 in the 200 free that could make him a project swimmer who could eventually contribute on an 800 free relay there. At 6’4″, Salazar has the build of a big-time swimmer, and he said he’s excited to grow into that big frame as he begins his college career.
Congratulations Mike.