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Academy Bullets Swim Club’s Patrick O’Connor has committed to Pennsylvania State University, pledging to the Nittany Lion men’s program as a member of the 2027 recruiting class.
I’m beyond excited and grateful to announce my verbal commitment to continue my athletic and academic career at Penn State University! Thank you to my family, friends, teammates, and coaches Todd and Glenn for supporting me throughout this journey. Huge thank you to Coach Hollie, Nicole, and Tommy at Penn state for believing in me and giving me this incredible opportunity. WE ARE🔵⚪️🦁
Hailing from Batavia, Ill. O’Connor reached a pair of championship finals as a junior at Marmion Academy at the IHSA Boys State Championships in February. His top individual finish came in the 500 free, touching 4th in 4:32.53, a touch slower than what he went in the prelims at 4:31.37. He also finished 8th in the 100 back in 49.47, about half a second off his prelims swim of 48.98. He also led off the state winning 200 medley relay in 22.65.
A few weeks later, O’Connor competed at the NCSA Spring Championships, where he swam another slew of lifetime bests, including the 200 back (1:46.68), 100 fly (50.06), 200 fly (1:48.27), 200 IM (1:52.56), and the 400 IM (3:55.73).
Best Times SCY:
- 500 Free: 4:31.27
- 100 Fly: 50.06
- 200 Fly: 1:48.27
- 100 Back: 48.98
- 200 Back: 1:46.68
- 200 IM: 1:52.56
- 400 IM: 3:55.73
The Penn State men finished 9th at the Big Ten Men’s Swimming and Diving Championships in February.
Based on O’Connor’s best times, he would have finished 23rd in the 200 fly, 32nd in the 400 IM, and 41st in the 500 free at those Big Ten Championships.
His 200 fly is capable of scoring right now, but the rest of his times are still well outside of that points range. But with another year until his Penn State debut, the ceiling is still high, and there is plenty of time for him to get his time into that potential scoring range.
The Nittany Lion men finished last in the Big Ten last season, and failed to score a single point in the 500 free, 400 IM, and just one point in the 200 fly.
This addition gives some breathing room in those races, and with time, O’Connor could help raise those low point totals.
O’Connor joins Brady Manser and Reid O’Connell in the 2027 recruiting class.
If you have a commitment to report, please send an email with a photo (landscape, or horizontal, looks best) and a quote to [email protected].
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