Duke University sophomore Peter Kropp has been named to USA Swimming’s Junior National Team roster for the 2014-15 season, as announced by the organization this week. Kropp is the first male swimmer in program history to make a national team roster.
Selection for the junior national squad is based on the six fastest times in each Olympic event at all USA Swimming or FINA-sanctioned meets from January-August of 2014, as well as YMCA Long Course Nationals. The list only includes times recorded during preliminary heats or A, B or C finals. To be eligible, swimmers must be 18 or younger as of Sept. 1, 2014.
“We knew when we recruited Peter that he was going to do big things,” said Duke head coach Dan Colella. “The progression that he’s made in a relatively short period of time has been outstanding. We’re looking forward to his continued success through the course of this season and into the coming years, especially with the Olympic Trials coming up in two years.”
A native of Los Angeles, Calif., Kropp made the roster in the men’s 100-meter breaststroke. His qualifying mark of 1:02.07 came in an 18th-place showing at the 2014 Phillips 66 National Championships over the summer in Irvine, Calif. This summer’s action also saw Kropp claim a silver medal in the 100-meter breaststroke at the Speedo Junior National Championships.
“I’m extremely excited to be named alongside some of USA Swimming’s best young swimmers,” Kropp said. “Making the National Junior team has been a goal of mine for quite some time, so to make the team is a testament to great coaches and hard work. I’m looking forward to getting to know other junior team members and learning from them.”
Kropp enters his sophomore campaign at Duke having placed fourth in the 100-yard breaststroke at the 2014 ACC Championship as a rookie last season.
College Swimming News courtesy of Duke Swimming and Diving.
I hate when I get tricked into reading about breast stroke.