StC News

Swanson '16 headed to Michigan

Swimming star is one of the top recruits in the United States.
SWIMSWAM ARTICLE ON COMMITMENT

SWANSON RANKED 14TH IN COUNTRY BY SWIMSWAM.COM


Charlie Swanson '16, one of the top swimming recruits in the Class of 2016 in the world, is off the board to Michigan.

Swanson also considered Southern Cal and Virginia, but after a recent visit, felt Ann Arbor was the best fit.

"It just has everything that I need," Swanson said Tuesday. "The head coach [Mike Bottom] was an Olympian. I just think I can get better there. The academics are great, too. They have a bunch of different fields of study."

It doesn't take much study to realize Swanson, ranked the 14th best recruit in the U.S. by SwimSwam.com, is a blue-chip recruit. He's stood out for NOVA and StC for years, culminating in a 2016 Olympic Trials triple-event qualification this summer.

"It's pretty exciting," said Saints coach Stuart Ferguson, who swam at Auburn. "Michigan, every year they're top 5 [in the country]. They're a powerhouse in the swimming world and Charlie is one of the best recruits out there."

At the Olympic Trials in Singapore, Swanson proved his worth, finishing fourth in the 400 Individual Medley.  

"That means there are only three 18-and unders in the world that are faster than this guy," Ferguson said. "I definitely feel pretty good [about the commitment]. He's the one doing all the work. I can't take any credit there. It's a pleasure to watch him swim and watch him lead this year as one of our captains."

Before he heads north, Swanson and the swim team have unfinished business this winter.

"We have fall swimming going on now," Swanson said. "I just think that we have a good shot at the state [VISAA] championship."
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