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.
Derek Halas of Danville, CA has announced his decision to swim for Lynn University beginning in the 2020-2021 season. Halas swims for San Ramon Valley Livermore Aquatics and De La Salle High School.
“I’d like to formally announce my commitment to Lynn University in Boca Raton Florida! When I visited the campus, I was very welcomed by everyone and I felt connected to the campus. The expansion of The Fighting Knights swim program to NCAA Men’s Athletics, makes me excited to be part of the establishment of this program and I am extremely excited to be a part of its future. Lynn provides excellent educational opportunities directed toward my Sports Management Degree. Thank you to Head Coach Nikole Alvarez and Assistant Head Coach Jimmy Martin for all of the support and advice, and to Mohamed Masmoudi for giving me the athletes insight of the program. I would like to thank my family, teammates, coaches and Lasallian brotherhood community for motivating and pushing me day in and day out to be the best athlete and person I can be. I am beyond excited for the next four years at Lynn! Go Fighting Knights #LYNNING.“
Halas competed at the Clovis Juanita Allington Memorial Meet in March of 2020. He swam the 200, 500, 1000, and 1650 free, the 50, 100, and 200 fly, and the 400 IM. He earned personal best times in every event and he made it back to finals in the 500 free and 400 IM. He also placed 4th in the timed finals heats of the 1000 free and 7th in the timed finals heats of the 1650 free.
In May, Halas graduated from De La Salle High School in Concord, CA. He qualified for the 2019 CIF North Coast Section Championships in the 500 free. His time of 4:56.35 placed him 31st.
Top SCY Times:
- 1000 free – 9:56.48
- 1650 free – 16:45.81
- 500 free – 4:50.95
- 400 IM – 4:21.96
When he joins the Fighting Knights in the fall of 2020, Halas will help expand the distance group. He will be the team’s second-fastest 1000 and 1650 freestyler behind Mohamed Malek Masmoudi. Additionally, he will be their third-fastest in the 500 free behind Masmoudi and David Romeo. Masmoudi won a gold and a bronze medal, as well as an 8th place finish at the 2020 Sunshine Conference Championships. When he gets to campus in the fall, Halas will be a member of Lynn University’s class of 2024, alongside mid-distance freestyler Jasim Abu-Dan of Swim Atlanta.
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.
Instagram – @fitterandfasterswimtour
Facebook – @fitterandfastertour
Twitter – @fitterandfaster
FFT is a SwimSwam partner.
