Junior National Team swimmer Michael “Joey” Reilman has verbally committed to the Tennessee Volunteers.
Reilman is primarily a backstroker (the 200 meter backstroke is the event that put him on the National Team), and is also a solid freestyler from the Firestone Akron Swim Team in Ohio.
In yards, his bests are:
- 50 free – 21.97
- 100 free – 46.74
- 200 free – 1:38.64
- 500 free – 4:38.71
- 100 back – 49.55
- 200 back – 1:48.12
He’s the defending Ohio Division 1 runner-up in the 200 free, and was 3rd last year in the 100 back for Walsh Jesuit.
As good as his short course times are, Reilman is even better in long course. He was 4th at Summer Juniors in the 200 backstroke, despite swimming his best time in prelims of 2:00.73; and placed 7th in the 100 meter back in 57.04.
Reilman will have a year to train with All-American Sean Lehane, and after that should have the opportunity to take over as the ace of the Tennessee backstroke group. Lehane is a great example for Reilman, as coming out of high school he was also a great 200 backstroker who in two years has developed into one of the best 100 backstrokers in the country as well.
The Vols got themselves a winner. Great kid just starting to realize his potential.
Go Vols!