Gator Swim Club freestyler Eric Geunes has committed to the University of Wisconsin for next fall. The Florida native is an Olympic Trials qualifier in the 400 free with a time he swam this past August. Competing for Gainesville High School, Geunes placed 3rd in the 500 free, 8th in the 200 free, and contributed to the title-winning 400 free relay and runner-up medley relay at last year’s FHSAA 3A Championships.
Geunes Top Times (SCY/LCM)
- 200 free – 1:40.83/1:52.76
- 500/400 free – 4:29.01/3:58.49
- 1000/800 free – 9:18.27/8:15.15
- 1650/1500 free – 15:43.38/16:02.31
- 200m fly – 2:05.19
At the 2015 Junior Nationals, Geunes touched 4th in the 200 free B final, 5th in the 400 free B final, and 27th in both the 800 free and 1500 free. While he has the range to extend to the 1650, Geunes might be a better fit within the 200-500 free mold, especially after how well he did in the 200 and 400 this summer relative to his 800 and 1500 performances.
Looking at Wisconsin’s top times list from last season, Geunes would’ve found himself 4th in the 500 and 5th in the mile. The Badgers were led by Matt Hutchins last season, who won the 500 free at the 2015 B1G Championships. The only other scorer in that event for Wisconsin was Nick Caldwell, though he has since graduated.
The 200 free, however, was a very strong point for Wisco last year. They had two swimmers in each of the three finals last year, and they also put together the 2nd place 800 free relay. That relay would go on to finish 9th in the country at NCAAs last March.
Wisconsin has had lots of recent success with their mid-distance freestyle group, and Geunes has the potential to be a big contributor to that part of their program.
My whole experience during my visit to Madison was amazing. There was a tremendous amount of positive energy surrounding the team, the coaches, and the entire campus itself. And the world class education that the school offers makes it even better. I’m absolutely thrilled to become a Badger! ON WISCONSIN!
Geunes joins versatile commits Michael Milinovich of Illinois and Cooper Hodge of Ohio.
If you have a commitment to report, please send an email to [email protected]
I hear he is a hard worker and great kid. He has a really great club coach!