Fitter and Faster Swim Camps is the proud sponsor of SwimSwam’s College Recruiting Channel and all commitment news. For many, swimming in college is a lifelong dream that is pursued with dedication and determination. Fitter and Faster is proud to honor these athletes and those who supported them on their journey.
One of the top backstrokers in Virginia, Matt Duren has announced his college decision for next fall, committing to swim for Bob Bowman at Arizona State University. Duren is currently in the middle of his senior year of high school at Midlothian High School while also training with Quest Swimming.
The phenomenal coaching staff with the top-of-the-line facility really won me over. And on top of all that the team was so close and acted like a family, which is very important to me. This checked all my boxes and made it an easy decision.
As a junior last spring, Duren claimed the bronze medal in the 100 back at the VHSL Class 5 State Championship meet. He was well off of his lifetime best in the event at that meet, finishing in 51.44. Had he hit his lifetime best in the event, he would have come away in first. While both swimmers who finished above him last year will return in 2022, his lifetime best is faster than either has been in the event.
Duren competed at the Virginia Swimming Senior Championships over the summer, earning second swims in both backstroke events as well as the 100 and 200 freestyles. On his way to taking 6th in the 100 back, Duren picked up the Summer Nationals cut with his time of 58.64.
Top SCY Times
- 100 free – 47.74
- 200 free – 1:42.13
- 100 back – 49.44
- 200 back – 1:47.69
Duren looks poised to be a backstroke specialist for the Sun Devils, with lifetime bests that will provide solid depth for the team. While the program opted to redshirt the entire roster last season, in 2019-2020 his 200 back would have been the team’s fourth-fastest while his 100 back w0uld have ranked him sixth.
While the Sun Devils have no results to show from last season, the team has already been off to a strong start in 2021 in their lone men’s meet of the season. In the team’s dual with USC, Jack Dolan swam to a time of 48.01 in the 100 back to win the event. In the 200 back Leon Marchand touched in 1:44.62. The team will compete over the weekend at the NC State Invite, giving both athletes a chance to lower their season bests even further.
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].
About the Fitter and Faster Swim Tour
Fitter & Faster Swim Camps feature the most innovative teaching platforms for competitive swimmers of all levels. Camps are produced year-round throughout the USA and Canada. All camps are led by elite swimmers and coaches. Visit fitterandfaster.com to find or request a swim camp near you.
FFT SOCIAL
Instagram – @fitterandfasterswimtour
Facebook – @fitterandfastertour
Twitter – @fitterandfaster
FFT is a SwimSwam partner.
