Myers Park High School junior Jack Walker has verbally committed to swim for the University of Virginia beginning in the 2019-2020 season. Walker is the current North Carolina High School 4A champion in the 200 freestyle.
“I chose the University of Virginia for its unmatched academic prowess, outstanding team camaraderie, and the energy that Todd DeSorbo and his staff bring to the pool deck. WA-HOO-WA!”
At the 2017 NCHSAA 4A State Championships, Walker won the 200 free (1:39.61), anchored the 200 free relay to fifth place (21.07), and led off the fourth-place 400 free relay (46.61). He swims year-round for SwimMAC Carolina where he is the current North Carolina Swimming 15-16 record-holder in the 50, 100 and 200 freestyles; he also holds the 15-18 record in the 200 free. At the 2017 Speedo Winter Junior Championships East, he finished 7th in the 50 free, 9th in the 100 free, 3rd in the 200 free, and 13th in the 500 free. The previous December he had touched 2nd in the 200 free with 1:33.74, thus becoming the second-fastest 15-16 swimmer of all-time in the event.
Walker is a nice pick-up for UVA, who finished sixth at the 2017 ACC Men’s Championships. His best time in the 200 free would have put him squarely in the A final, where he would have been the lone Cavalier on the starting blocks. He also would have scored in the B final of the 100/500 free,
Top SCY times:
- 50 Free: 20.10
- 100 Free: 43.52
- 200 Free: 1:33.74
- 500 Free: 4:22.95
- 1000 Free: 9:37.50
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].
Mr. 133 himself!
As soon as DeSorbo gets a couple of years of head coaching experience on his resume he will take over at Texas.
I believe he wanted a quality education and be part of the positive energy coming out of Charlottesville!
any idea what other schools were in the hunt?
Doesn’t matter…
This is only a verbal commitment, so it does sort of matter what other schools were in the hunt……
BOOM ?
UVa with DeSorbo can be Cal East in the next 5-10 years. Reminds me a lot of Durden arriving & putting it all together for a consistent top flight NCAA team. It’s going to happen.
Good on you, kid, great choice.
Good analysis, but gotta surpass Holloway first. If you’re talking men’s swimming, Holloway’s men’s team isn’t slowing down with DeSorbo’s departure.
DeSorbo vs. Holloway is going to be great for swimming fans on the East Coast.
Imagine if UNC got Yuri. DeSorbo, Holloway, Yuri all in ACC t
Of course NCS is & will remain a top tier program, but given UVa’s academic tier it’s Cal for my comparison. UVa can become one of the selective school AND top NCAA program pitches soon. Texas Austin, Michigan, Cal…those venues have a real permanent draw in any sport they go in for.
Let’s not make this a Desorbo vs Holloway thing. Both men have incredible assistant coaches that could and will be head coaches of their own soon. Fenwick, Foltz, and Bachman for Todd and Taylor, Guntoro, and Houchin for Holloway. Two teams with incredible staffs, helping both push towards the top of the ACC and country
I doubt Fenwick is leaving UVA anytime soon. It looks like he has too many close ties. He’s home and appears really happy. He and Todd seem to be very close, are having fun and are on the verge of building something together. He’s in a pretty good spot.
My personal opinion is that Taylor will be next to lead! He is an amazing coach! Holloway definitely brought in top notch coaches with Desorbo and Taylor.
I’m not buying it. Perennial top 3-5? Who’s dropping out? . But yes good choice for Jack
Congratulations Jack! So excited about your future college swimming there at UVA! Great choice in all aspects!
Congratulations Jack! So excited for your future college career there at UVA! Great choice in all aspects