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Tim Connery, #4 recruit for the class of 2021, has switched his verbal commitment to the University of Texas. Back in November 2019, Connery originally sent his verbal to Michigan. Connery is just one of the many versatile talents in the class of 2021, boasting capabilities in all four strokes and the IM events.
Connery, who trains club at SwimMAC Carolina and competes for Christ the King Catholic High School, was the 2019 Summer Junior National high point winner with his 200 IM and 800 free relay titles and four individual finals appearances (100 fly, back, breast, free). Connery was also a member of the 2018 Junior Pan Pacific team, where he placed 10th in the 100 back and 5th in the 100 breast.
At the 2019 Winter Junior National Championships this past December, Connery put up lifetime bests in the 100 fly (46.73), 100 breast (53.19), and 200 IM (1:44.05). Connery took East titles in the 100 fly while placing 2nd in the 100 breast and 200 IM.
TOP TIMES (SCY)
- 50 free – 20.42
- 100 free – 44.18
- 200 free – 1:34.77
- 100 back – 47.24
- 100 breast – 53.19
- 200 breast – 1:57.16
- 100 fly – 46.73
- 200 IM – 1:44.05
- 400 IM – 3:53.90
Connery will join #2 Anthony Grimm, #15 Luke Hobson, Nathan Quarterman, Kayde Cross, and Marko Vujosevic for the Texas Longhorn class of 2025.
Connery’s versatility and especially IM abilities, which make him one of the fastest IMers in high school history, makes him a perfect fit for Eddie Reese’s program at Texas. Headed into the 2020 NCAA Championships, which were ultimately canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic, the Longhorns had the #3 (sophomore Matthew Willenbring) and #4 (senior Ryan Harty) seeded 200 IMers in the country, among 4 ranked in the top 16, which is what scores points at NCAAs. 3 of those 4 will still be on campus when Connery arrives.
Texas also had 2 of the top 9 seeds, both either a freshman or a sophomore, in the 400 IM.
Not that Michigan is any slouch in the IM events – at the Big Ten Championships this year, they had 5 swimmers score A final finishes in the 400 IM, including the top 3 finishers.
After that, Connery will have a lot of choices for where to focus. He could go breaststroke, like the former Longhorn Will Licon did, though the Longhorns are considerably deep there as well. The Texas butterfly group, after the graduation of Maxime Rooney (post-2020) and Alvin Jiang (post-2021) will need reinforcements, so from a ‘need’ perspective that makes the most sense.
But he could also excel in the backstroke or middle-distance freestyle events.
In that way, he’s a lot like fellow Texas commit Anthony Grimm, but even more versatile on distance. Between those two swimmers, the Texas men will have almost universal puzzle pieces that can be used in a lot of ways to fill a lot of holes. That’s a huge leg up as the Longhorns look to springboard from a dominant 2010s, where they won 5 NCAA titles, into the 2020s.
“After further consideration, I am proud to announce my verbal commitment to swim and study at the University of Texas! Thanks to everyone who has helped me along the way. Hook em🤘🏻”
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well… that’s a real kick in the nuts
Downvotes are insane.
Anyway, Congrats Tim!
The salt behind these down votes…
NCSU Fans
Awesome. Hook em!
Ok. Momma bear here. Please don’t judge my son for switching. It was very hard on him – he has personal relationships with the MI team, and they have been more than gracious. He had to do with what was best for him. His friends back him. And I hope you do as well for a 17 year old kid. I thank you for your compassion (in advance)
Don’t sweat it Mary. It’s a message board and those bashing probably have never been in your son’s position to choose between such amazing options. A long time ago I looked at both UM and UT and like your boy neither would have been a poor choice. I chose Texas and never looked back. Maybe because they brought a Florida boy to Ann Arbor in December, I dunno. Welcome to the family. Hook ‘Em!
This reminds me of so many things in these comment sections. Like all of the people who “bashed” dressel for going to Florida.
Nobody has actually “bashed” Tim for changing his mind. But, because of this thread, And the one sarcastic post above, everyone is going to “remember” that he was “bashed,” when it never actually happened.
He’s a D1 college athlete. A big time one. People are going to “discuss” his decisions. But nothing here is anywhere near “bashing.”
Why the downvotes? He made the right decision for himself and everyone should be happy that he is happy with his final choice! I’d rather see someone happy than not in a place that isn’t perfect for them (could be perfect for so many others)
Wait… WHAT????? Momma bear is here. RUN!!!!!!!!
Welcome to the Internet. Everyone here is terrible.
Ok, but again…point me to one comment in this thread that is “terrible.” There hasn’t been one.
The one that said Texas hasn’t had a US Olympian since 2008 was pretty terrible. But not terrible because it was mean to Tim lol.
Tough and stressful to have a bunch of good choices but also a fortunate position to be in to have a bunch of good choices. Either one will just stand out based on fit or you’ll know that a few could be good fits. And yes, these kids will change a lot from 16 to 17 to 18 to 21 and what’s right could change. Doesn’t make it easier, but none of the PSAs are alone or unique in their feelings.
Congratulations. What a versatile swimmer! Will Connery and Grimm be Schooling and Conger of the 2025 class – that kind of success?
Conger and Schooling were not in the same class. Conger and Licon were and Licon won more NCAA titles than both those guys. Both those guys combined I think. Conger only won one.
Conger was a relay god though
Couldn’t beat me in a one on one race though. I took that brother down and I’ll do it again if he ever steps foot on the Chasco YMCA again…
You’ll have to come see me again and tell me that story.
Are there any other schools in Men’s NCAA Div I swimming besides Texas and Cal anymore? It seems like the rich just keep getting richer.
I know you SwimSwam nerds like to play with numbers. Is there any historical statistical precedent for the current duopoly at the top of men’s collegiate swimming?
Edit: yes I see you Indiana and NC State fans. I didn’t forget about you
UVA Women…enough said.
There’s some precedent. From 1937 through 1948, the top 2 teams at NCAAs were Michigan and Ohio State 8 times. If you throw in Yale, they hold all of the top 8 finishes in that period (and for most of the first 20 years of official NCAA Championships).
USC and Indiana had the top two spots every season from 1969 through 1975, except 1.
The 2014-2019 (and probably 2020 if it had happened) is the longest consecutive run of just 2 teams in the top 2, during the NCAA Championship era (1937 onward). And, going back to 2010, aside from Michigan’s 2013 title, is the most dominant duopoly as well over such a period.
Wow, Texas now keeping pace with NC State in best 2021 recruiting classes.
Shocking