Bolles’ Josh Booth only came to the program from Scotland in the United Kingdom this past season, but it didn’t take him long to join the Bolles way. He was a part of their National High School Record setting 400 free relay, splitting 44.6, is a very high-ranking recruit in this year’s senior class, and has followed the strong history between Bolles and Auburn. Booth verbally committed to join the Tigers in the fall of 2014 on Friday afternoon.
“I have met Brett on several occasions and I think he is a great coach” Booth said. “I can relate to him as he has been there and done it. He and the team excite me and have dreams of capturing the NCAA title again and I went to help be a part of that. With Brett also being internationally-born (Australia), he has a different view point on international meets as well as NCAA’s. So that was a big part of it too: the international aspect.”
Booth can jump into a lot of spots for Auburn. As a sprint group, which Auburn will be rebuilding, he goes 20.9/44.9 flat starts in the 50 and 100 yard freestyles. Auburn always needs 800 free relays, and with Booth’s 1:37.4 in the 200 free, he should immediately jump onto the Auburn 800 free relay that was only 19th (with four underclassmen) at NCAA’s last year. Booth’s best time, plus a relay start, would’ve put him 3rd among the swimmers on that relay.
Booth also goes 49.1 in the 100 fly and 49.2 in the 100 back, so there’s some medley relay potential in his future. He split a 21.81 fly leg on the Bolles record-setting 200 medley relay as well.
With another year at Bolles, where history dictates more improvements are coming, he will be ready to immediately jump into the Auburn lineup and have an impact as a freshman.
In the class of 2013, Bolles sent a pair to Auburn (Ashley Neidigh and Alex Goerzen), and past swimmers to go that way include 2012 Olympian Megan Fonteno and NCAA Champion and Record holder Arianna Vanderpool-Wallace.
I hope Mr Dressel will follow him at Auburn.
Welcome to the USA Josh, great choice with college. Keep swimming FAST your coach is doing a great job.
I agree completely with Coach T. Both my sons train with Josh. Specifically, I hear about Josh’s efficient stroke and his great sense of humor! Congrats to Josh!
I think everyone in the country is looking at Dressel.
swimmer2, that’s a bit harsh! that’s not what I here from my son, who swims with him every day. he’s a good kid with plenty of talent, and should do well at auburn. congrats and good luck josh!
AU is a sinking ship….if you don’t think so, then look a their results the past three years. Just Saying!!!
You know once upon a time Bolles wasn’t winning state champs and Michigan wasn’t winning NCAAs…. All programs can’t be #1 all the time. That doesn’t mean they won’t get back there
The future is looking bright at Auburn, the future is looking ORANGE!
In addition to the above named, they also have Arizona transfer, Aubrey Peacock from Bolles and almost had Sergio but he turned the position down. Seems to be a comfortable place for Bolles swimmers to land.
His 21.81 split on the medley relay was fly, right?