West Virginia has a pair of men’s swimmers who will take advantage of the NCAA waiver that awards all athletes who competed in the 2020-2021 collegiate season an extra year of eligibility because of the complications of the COVID-19 pandemic.
David Dixon and Max Gustafson will be returning to Morgantown, West Virginia, for a 5th season with the Mountaineers.
David Dixon has been a force within the WVU team, and the Big 12 Conference, since his freshmen season. Dixon has qualified for the Men’s NCAA Championships all 4 years at West Virginia, recording his highest finish at the last season’s NCAAs, where he took 12th in the 200 fly. He’s has also won Big 12 titles in the 100 and 200 fly, both of which came during his sophomore season.
In addition to his titles and meet qualifications, Dixon has been named to the All-Big 12 First Team in each of his previous 4 seasons. Dixon also holds the West Virginia team record in the 200 fly.
Here are David Dixon‘s lifetime best SCY times:
- 100 fly – 46.65
- 200 fly – 1:41.59
- 200 IM – 1:45.57
- 400 IM – 3:51.04
- 200 breast – 1:57.64
Max Gustafson is a freestyler for the Mountaineers who has been critical on relays, especially at Big 12s. Individually, Gustafson has posted 5 top-8 finishes at Big 12s, including 3 of such finishes in the 200 free. Additionally, Gustafson has been named to 2 All-Big 12 Second Teams, and one All-Big 12 First Team.
Gustafson has shuffled his events around a bit over his career at West Virginia. He’s competed in the 200 free and 500 free at all 4 of his Big 12 Championships, but he’s bounced between the 100 free, 1650 free, and 200 fly as his 3rd event.
Here are Max Gustafson‘s lifetime best SCY times:
- 50 free – 20.52
- 100 free – 44.14
- 200 free – 1:36.52
- 500 free – 4:27.17
- 1650 free – 15:46.16
- 200 fly – 1:50.08
- 100 fly – 49.17
In October 2020, the NCAA granted all winter sport athletes the option to use an extra year of eligibility following complications from the COVID-19 pandemic. Under normal circumstances, Division I student-athletes have a 5-year window during which they can use up their four seasons of eligibility. However, given the current situation with COVID-19, student-athletes of all class years have been offered an additional season of eligibility, regardless of where they are in their 5-year window. For a detailed breakdown on what the stakes are surrounding a 5th-year decision in 2021, click here.
Let’s goooo!!! Jammers are staying for another year!!!!