Mike Thomas is a versatile swimmer from Horsham Pennsylvania. Before moving across the country to the University of California, Berkeley, Thomas had a successful high school and junior career. He became the Pennsylvania AAA State champion in the 100 yard backstroke and 200 yard medley while at Hatboro-Horsham High School. In the backstroke he broke his future Cal Bears teammate, Ryan Murphy’s, 14-15 years national record.
Thomas was a member of the U.S. Junior National team in the 100 and 200 meter butterfly while competing for Upper Dublin Aquatic Club under head coach Geoff Scheuer.
University Of California, Berkeley
As the top recruit coming out of Pennsylvania, Thomas opted to head to the west coast to become a Cal Bear. His ability to swim butterfly, backstroke, medley and sprint freestyle meant he could be a great asset to head coach Dave Durden.
2015-2016
In his first season as a bear, Thomas picked up valuable experience competing at his first NCAA Championships. He qualified for the 200 yard butterfly with a season best time at the Pac-12 championships where he won the ‘C’ Final. At the NCAA meet in Atlanta, Thomas finished 32nd.
Thomas also made NCAA ‘B’ cuts in the 100 yard backstroke and butterfly.
2016-17
Thomas won the consolation final of the 200 yard butterfly (1:41.57) and finished 19th in the 200 yard IM prelims (1:44.17) and 29th in the 100 yard butterfly.
2017-18
Thomas finished two tenths of a second out of the medals in the 200 yard butterfly in fourth with a time of 1:39.95. The junior also finished second in the B final of the 400 yard IM (3:37.75) and fourth in the B final of the 200 yard IM (1:42.54).
2018-19
Thomas had his best year of competition in his senior year, and capped it with helping the Bears to their first national title in 5 years. To start the NCAA meet, Thomas won the B final of the 200 IM in 1:42.34, a new personal best. The next day, he touched 3rd in the 400 IM (3:37.52) behind defending champ Abrahm Devine and fellow Cal teammate Sean Grieshop. On the last day, Thomas placed 2nd in the B final of the 200 fly (1:41.15).
