Eric Slabbert Commits to SVSU with 200 Back Faster Than Current Program Record

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Eric Slabbert from Paarl in the Western Cape Province of South Africa has announced his verbal commitment to Saginaw Valley State University for the fall of 2021.

“It is with great honor that I am verbally committing to Saginaw Valley State University. I could not have hoped for a more amazing opportunity to grow as an athlete, a scholar and a person. I am very grateful for everyone who has supported me along my journey, I would not have made it this far without them. A special thanks to the coaching staff at SVSU for making the recruitment process enjoyable for me, I look forward to contributing to their team. Go Cardinals!!!”

Slabbert attends Paarl Boys’ High School. He swims year-round with Players Western Cape.

At the 2020 South African National Short Course Championships (25m) in October, he placed 9th in the 200 back (2:04.78), 10th in the 100 back (57.33), 15th in the 50 back (27.47), 10th in the 100 IM (59.16), and 28th in prelims of the 50 free (24.33).

At the beginning of the year, he competed at the 2020 Grand Prix Invitational Swimming Meet in Stellenbosch. There, he placed 3rd in the 50 back (28.22, 28.12 in prelims), 100 back (59.15), and 200 back (2:09.97).

Slabbert will bring program-best or near-best times to SVSU when he suits up with the Cardinals next fall. His best 200 back converted time is 2.5 seconds under the current record (1:54.92), while his 50 back is a second off the 23.70 leadoff split from SVSU’s record-breaking 200 medley relay (at 2018 GLIAC Championships). His 100 back is less than a second off the program best (50.80) from 2017.

SCM best times (converted) (note: unshaved/unrested):

  • 50 back – 27.47 (24.74)
  • 100 back – 57.33 (51.64)
  • 200 back – 2:04.78 (1:52.41)
  • 100 IM – 59.16 (53.29)
  • 50 free – 24.33 (21.91)

LCM best times (converted):

  • 50 back – 28.12 (24.79)
  • 100 back – 59.15 (52.20)
  • 200 back – 2:09.97 (1:54.92)
  • 50 free – 24.46 (21.31)
  • 100 free – 54.13 (47.32)

Slabbert’s best converted 200 back time would have made the A final at the 2020 GLIAC Championships. He would have been a B finalist in the 100 back, along with Mason Hooker and Tyler Overmyer.

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Rick Paine
3 years ago

Great young man we have been fortunate to help with recruiting. He goes 1:52 in the 200 back unshaved /unrested and he only does 800 meters of kicking per week!!!

Old Swim Coach
3 years ago

SVSU is on the rise for sure. Glad to see them making some moves. Great school and new coaching staff that is getting after it in recruiting. Good to see a GLIAC school on the rise!

SwimFani
3 years ago

This young man demonstrates class! Great smile, bow tie and outfit for the picture to announce his signing. I hope other athletes will follow his example. Sorta tired of seeing swimmers dressed like street bums in their announcement photos.

swimgeek
Reply to  SwimFani
3 years ago

C’mon now. This is pure trolling even by SwimFani standards!

SwimFani
Reply to  swimgeek
3 years ago

What are you saying? This young man looks like a champion. He obviously takes pride in his appearance which I believe will carry over into other areas of his life. I commend him. GO SVSU and go Eric – best wishes!!!

Erik
3 years ago

Bowtie (+100)

Bfunk
3 years ago

Game changer, will be interesting to see if his signing attracts other higher level talent in the future

Anonymous
Reply to  Bfunk
3 years ago

Based on this photo, I would say there will be talented young ladies looking to attend there. Haha 🙂

About Anne Lepesant

Anne Lepesant

Anne Lepesant is the mother of four daughters, all of whom swam in college. With an undergraduate degree from Princeton (where she was an all-Ivy tennis player) and an MBA from INSEAD, she worked for many years in the financial industry, both in France and the U.S. Anne is currently …

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