The Florida State men continue to add to their first recruiting class since Head Coach Neal Studd took over at the start of this season. The Seminoles have just received 2 more commitments from in-state breaststroker Paxton Rhoads and Ohio-based free/IMer Patrick Butkovich.
Patrick Butkovich
Butkovich is currently a club swimmer for the M.E. Lyons/Barracuda Aquatic Club. He’ll be moving south to Florida State from Ohio after he graduates from Saint Xavier High School at the end of the school year.
Last season, Butkovich was a 2-time finalist at last season’s Ohio State Championships, where he competed in the 200 IM (7th) and 500 free (8th). He then went on to place in the top 5 of the 500 free at the 2016 Dolfin Junior National Cup, where he placed 5th with his personal best 4:32.09. He also swam a personal best 4:02.24 to place 6th in the 400 IM at that meet.
Butkovich’s Top Times:
- 200 IM- 1:53.34
- 400 IM- 4:02.24
- 200 free- 1:41.46
- 500 free- 4:32.09
Paxton Rhoads
Rhoads will be staying in-state next season, as he currently lives just a few hours south of Tallahassee. His club training base is with Tampa Bay Community Aquatics, and he’s now a senior at H.B. Plant High School in Tampa.
Last season, Rhoads was an individual event medalist at the 2015 Florida 4A High School State Championships. There, he picked up a silver in the 100 breaststroke with a new personal best time of 56.60. He then went on to become a 2-time championship finalist at the Orlando Sectional meet during the long course season. He won 2 medals there, placing 2nd in the 50 meter breast and 3rd in the 100 meter breast.
Rhoads’ Top Times:
- 100 breast- 56.60
- 200 breast- 2:07.70
- 50 free- 22.41
- 200 IM- 1:58.80
If you have a commitment to report, please send an email with a picture and quote to [email protected].