Maryland High School star Ben Lawless has signed his National Letter of Intent to swim for the Florida Gators, marking Gregg Troy’s second big signing of the spring period already.
Lawless was one of the top available recruits on the men’s side, and is one of the top recruits coming out of his home state in the class of 2014.
He’s primarily a distance freestyler, but has a lot of good versatility for the two-time defending champion Florida men. His best times in yards are:
- 200 free – 1:39.40
- 500 free – 4:24.79
- 1000 free – 9:05.22
- 1650 free – 15:20.74
He’s also been 1:55.3 and 4:01.4 in the 200 and 400 long course meter freestyles.
Lawless is a realtive newcomer to the sport, not beginning year-round training until his freshman year of high school.
His progress, though, has been impressive. The first 500 free in his USA Swimming record was a 5:18.60 as a 14-year old.
His progression by class year since then is a gravity-defying grid:
- Freshman – 5:00.95
- Sophomore – 4:40.42
- Junior – 4:30.29
- Senior – 4:24.79
He joins a Florida mid-to-distance group that in the last two seasons has become one of their biggest strengths. That’s a group that includes a pair of 2014 First Team All-Americans in Arthur Frayler and Mitch D’Arrigo.
Lawless attends Northern High School and trains at Central Chesapeake Swimming under coach John Mason.
Congrats Ben! Your work ethic and dedication to your craft is uncompromised- great example set for your teammates. We wish you much success!
THIS KID AWESOME AND SMELLS REALLY NICE, LIKE FRESH TUNA
Thor reporting for duty
BEN LAWLESS U ROCK! SO GLAD UR ONE OF MY SONS CLOSE FRIENDS. SO PROUD OF YOU. YOU EARNED IT…
The comments already posted brought tears to my eyes. Congratulations for all of your successes. Great job, Dee an Ben! Benji is blessed to have you as his parents!
Congratulations should also go to Coach John Mason. One of the best old school coaches still in the business.
You have always been a gracious competitor and great example to all the younger swimmers watching. It is wonderful to see a swimmer who everyone can celebrate! We will be following, what is sure to be great success, both in the water and out, over the next four years. Congratulations!
You have accomplished so much in such a short time in the sport. I can’t wait to watch you grow in and out of the pool in the next four years. Thank you for being such an incredible role model to my kids and all the swimmers on Central Chesapeake Swimming.