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Ryan Nordheim, part of the class of 2022 at Saint Andrew’s School, has announced his verbal commitment to Southern Methodist University.
“I am very excited to announce my verbal commitment to study and compete for Southern Methodist University. I want to thank my coaches, family, and friends for pushing me to be the best I can be. I would not have made it without them. I can’t wait to be a Mustang. Pony Up!”
Located in Boca Raton, Florida, Saint Andrew’s School is a pre-kindergarten through Grade 12 day and boarding school. The school competes in the Florida High School Athletics Association’s 1A division. In his junior year Nordheim finished third in both the 50 free (20.65) and 100 free (45.55) at the Class 1A State Championships.
Nordheim swam club with Saint Andrew’s Swimming. The last meet Nordheim swam with Saint Andrew’s was the Florida Gold Coast Senior Championships in July of 2021. Nordheim touched with a 53.37 at prelims in the 100-meter freestyle, and then came back and went a 52.55, placing fourth.
Nordheim is a Futures qualifier in the 100 fly and 100 back. Nordheim also has his Winter Juniors cuts in the 50-yard free and Winter US Open in his 50-meter free.
Best times in SCY:
- 50 free: 20.51
- 100 free: 45.49
- 50 fly: 22.00
- 100 fly: 50.49
- 100 back: 50.54
Nordheim is a strong sprinter across multiple strokes — his 50-yard fly is particularly notable. With a time of 22-flat, Nordheim would have had the fastest time on the 2020-2021 SMU roster by over 0.40.
Nordheim, with his best 50 fly time, is likely to immediately contribute to the 200 medley relay; but he may have some competition getting into the 200 freestyle relay. With a 20.51, he ties with future teammates Cole Fleming (Class of 2023) and Evan McCormick (Class of 2024). All three, with the same exact time, will be neck and neck for eighth place overall on the team in the 50 yard freestyle.
SMU competes in the American Athletic Conference. After placing as the conference runner-up on four occasions, and having not won since 2013, the Mustangs turned the tables and secured first place with Coaches of the Year Greg Rhodenbaugh and Darian Schmidt. Nordheim’s 100 fly would have placed him first in prelims and the A-final by over 1.4 seconds. He would have also finaled in the 50 freestyle (8th),100 freestyle (11th) and 100 backstroke (10th).
SMU will host their next conference meet in 2022 in Dallas, Texas.
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