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Brigham Young University has landed the commitment of multifaceted talent Grayden Barker, of Walnut Grove High School and Texas Ford Aquatics.
I’m excited to announce my verbal commitment to swim for Brigham Young University!! Thanks to all of my coaches and the BYU coaching staff for being the best as well as my amazing family. Can’t wait! Go Cougs! 🔵⚪️
At the UIL 5A State Championships in Austin, Texas, back in February, Parker won the 500 free in 4:26.31(just off of his all-time best of 4:25.09), completing his double victory after taking the 100 fly in 48.69, setting a new best personal standard in the event.
Barker would set various new lifetime bests at the Speedo Sectionals in Justin, Texas, in March. At this meet, he set new personal marks in the 50 free (21.16), 100 free (45.98), and 200 free (1:38.51).
Top SCY Times:
- 500 Free- 4:25.09
- 200 Free- 1:38.51
- 100 Fly- 48.69
- 200 Fly- 1:47.77
- 400 IM- 3:56.81
BYU, located in Provo, Utah, placed 5th out of seven teams at the 2025 Big 12 Swimming and Diving Championships, dropping two spots from their 2024 result, where they finished 3rd.
Comparing Barker‘s time to last season‘s BYU team, his 500 free would have ranked him 3rd on last season’s Cougar team. His 200 free and 100 fly times would have ranked as the 8th fastest in each event. Barker’s 200 fly would have finished 4th last season among BYU’s top performers.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DFbzKKzsbNE/?img_index=1
With his current best times, Barker would have finished 32nd in the 200 free, 29th in the 100 fly, and 15th in the 500 free at the 2025 Big 12 Championships.
Barker joins the 2026 recruiting class for the Cougars, which includes Gavin Willyerd and Jimmy Beeson. With Beeson bringing a butterfly-centered approach to Provo, and Willyerd specializing in middle-distance events, the three current recruits will have plenty of time to push one another.
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Dude can shred and rip.
Is Morm?
Does it matter if he is?
… Yes
No it doesn’t. Students at BYU aren’t required to be members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. And the term “Mormon” is historically a derogatory term. You won’t find any other recruit being questioned as to their religious affiliation.
Completely untrue. Of course it matters, and important if you want an enjoyable college experience. Sure, not every single student is, but if you’re not, you’re likely spending 4 years worrying about being reported to the Honor Code Office. You think Retzlaff kept his scholarship?
Even prospective staff are 100% asked about their religious affiliation “As a condition of employment, all employees must act in accordance with university policies and the Honor Code, including the Dress and Grooming Standards, and refrain from behavior or expression that seriously and adversely effects the university mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints”. They don’t want a diverse faculty broadening students’ perspectives.
https://www.sltrib.com/news/education/2021/02/27/byus-students-color-feel/
“Mormon” is not “historically a derogatory term.” The church spend millions on the “I’m a Mormon” PR campaign just a few years before the new leader randomly declared Mormon was a bad word because googling “Mormon” turned up incriminating information the church didn’t want members or investigators to know. I don’t know how members bought the 180 on “Mormon” hook line and sinker, but the fact that so many did doesn’t make it true.
While initially (early 1800s “Mormon” was a derogatory term to address members of the LDS. faith, it was adopted by the Church and most members as a positive name. However, the recent Prophet of the Church, President Nelson, ask that Church members use the full name of the Church because many non-members were confused or unaware that we worshipped Jesus Christ. There is nothing wrong with the name Mormons and many still use it when describing Latter-Day Saints. I believe we just want the emphasis to be on the fact that we follow the Gospel of Jesus Christ and not Mormon (who was a Prophet in the Book of Mormon). Either way no Member of The Church of Jesus Christ… Read more »