The University of Utah men have added another member to their recruiting class, as Texas-based Grant Thompson has given his verbal to the Utes. Thompson will make the move to Utah from Austin, Texas, where he currently swims for the Austin Swim Club under coach Brendan Hansen.
“I chose University of Utah because of coach Joe Dykstra and his staff’s vision for the program, an improving team, and an awesome culture that I want to be a part of! All of this, along with the great academics at Utah, make me really excited for the next four years. Go Utes!”
Thompson is a versatile swimmer, as his schedule typically includes fly, back, IM, and middle distance free. Last season, he qualified to compete at the 2016 Speedo Winter Junior Nationals (West), where he swam both IMs. His highest finish there came in the 400 IM, wheere he was 28th overall. He also swam a personal best 1:54.45 in the 200 IM at that meet.
Thompson’s Top Times:
| Event | Best time |
| 200 IM | 1:54.45 |
| 400 IM | 3:58.99 |
| 200 fly | 1:55.35 |
| 200 back | 1:54.87 |
| 200 free | 1:42.91 |
| 500 free | 4:35.19 |
During the long course season, Thompson was a 3-time finalist at this summer’s Futures Championships meet in Austin. His highest finish came in the 400 IM, where he medaled with a 4:32.31 for 3rd. Thompson also placed 5th in the 200 IM and 7th in the 200 fly at that meet. He then went on to place 22nd in the 400 IM at the 2016 Speedo Summer Junior Nationals.
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He is son of the owner of the Austin Swim Club. More than a year ago when it was announced that Brendan was taking over as the head coach, I expressed believe that his tenure will be short lived because it is so difficult to manage a private swim club and its own swimming pool. I was wrong and I apologize. The Austin Swim Club has prospered, attracted a number of high quality swimmers from the area and it is expanding in a fast pace. I wish them best of luck. Best of luck to Grant too.
Go Nitro!
Well, now I’m curious. What unsuccessful private swim clubs do you know of? And, have you ever been to a Brendan Hansen swim clinic before? There was no reason to believe that he wouldn’t be successful.
Ah, yes. I believe you also called my father a “psycho swim dad,” even though he lets Brendan run ASC the way Brendan thinks it should be run. Thanks for the apology and congratulation, nonetheless.
Go Austin Swim Club! 🙂
Do they need another breaststroker? I know one that needs a home….