The Arizona women have picked up a verbal commitment from Cameron McHugh of the Cypress Fairbanks Swim Club in Texas.
McHugh is relatively versatile, although the 100 and 200 backstrokes are clearly her best events. Her best race is the 200 back, and her best time is 1:57.41. Her 100 is stronger long course than short – in LCM McHugh has recorded 1:03.61, compared to a SCY 56.20. She might have something to offer Arizona in the distance department as well – McHugh joins the Wildcats with a 4:46.84 500 freestyle, and a 17:06.18 in the 1500. In 2012, she qualified for the Olympic Trials in the 200 and 400 LCM freestyle events.
McHugh joins the Arizona group able to train with either backstrokers like school-record holder Bonnie Brandon or more distance oriented athletes like transfer Lauren Neidigh.
It will be interesting to see which direction McHugh’s times take her in – whether she will turn into a backstroke force or dominate on the distance field.
The addition of McHugh to the Wildcats will continue the rebuilding process of the Arizona women’s team, which is still very small this year – a meager 17 athlete roster. For the complete 2013-14 Wildcat Women’s preview, click here.
McHugh attends the Pope John XXIII High School in Katy, Texas, and until this summer trained with Katy Aquatics.
Cam is a stand up gal. She’ll do great at Arizona. Go Cam!