Max Padro, 2015 Connecticut class L state champion in the 200 IM, has verbally committed to the Southern Connecticut State University Owls for the 2016-2017 recruiting season.
Padro, who swims for West Haven High School and SoCo Aquatic Club, took the Connecticut state championship last season with a 200 IM time of 1:56.02. He was the runner-up in the 100 fly with 52.93. His 400 IM and 200 fly best times are even more impressive: 4:07.36 and 1:53.97, respectively.
Throughout high school, Padro has been on an insane improvement streak, dropping 27 seconds in the 400 IM and 15 in the 200 fly. This streak will hopefully carry through to the 2015-2016 high school season all the way to the 2016-2017 season under SCSU head coach Tim Quill. Check out the contrast between his sophomore and junior year personal best times:
| Event | 2013-2014 Season | 2014-2015 Season |
| 100 fly | 54.73 | 52.93 |
| 200 fly | 2:09.24 | 1:53.97 |
| 200 IM | 2:03.71 | 1:56.02 |
| 400 IM | 4:34.64 | 4:07.36 |
It’s not a stretch to say that NCAA Division II Championships may be in Padro’s future. Although he won’t compete until 2017, based on his past improvements, the 2016 qualifying standards are well within reach: the 200 fly B standard is 1:51.77 and the 400 IM one is 4:03.99. Even if he stays where he was last season, Padro will help the NCAA Division II Owls score some points at Metropolitan Collegiate Championships. He would have taken fourth in the 400 IM and sixth in the 200 fly at last year’s conference meet.
“The team and coaches really made me feel at home while on my official visit,” Padro said. “I believe Southern will give me all the opportunities I need to succeed in the classroom and in the pool.”