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.
Cooper Lucas, the No. 2 recruit in the high school class of 2024, announced his verbal commitment to the University of Texas on Sunday.
“I’m super excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at the University of Texas!” Lucas wrote on Instagram. “I would like to thank everyone who has helped me along the way! I can’t wait to join the Longhorn tradition! Hook ‘em 🤘”
Lucas is a versatile junior at Keller High School in Texas, where he’s a two-time defending 6A State champion in the 200-yard freestyle. Last season, he won that event by nearly two seconds with a time of 1:35.29 before cruising to another victory in the 500 free by more than three seconds.
His winning mark of 4:18.65 in the 500 free is one of three times that rank first in his recruiting class along with his 200 butterfly (1:44.51) and 400 IM (3:46.21). He earned the most All-American honors in Keller history last season with selections in the 100 free, 200 free, 500 free, 100 fly, 200 IM, and 400 free relay.
Lucas also trains with Lakeside Aquatic Club (LAC) just outside of Dallas. LAC is a Gold Medal Club that was ranked 19th in the nation last year.
As a freshman, Lucas qualified for Olympic Trials in the 200-meter fly with a time of 2:01.05. At Junior Pan Pacs in August, he placed sixth in the 400 IM finals in 4:19.77 behind teammate Maximus Williamson (4:17.58). Lucas was also recently named to the U.S. National Junior Team.
Lucas is the top-ranked class of 2024 swimmer to commit so far as No. 1 recruit Daniel Diehl remains uncommitted. Lucas appears to be the Longhorns’ first commitment among the high school class of 2024.
With Texas slated to join the SEC in 2025, Lucas could spend one season competing in the Big 12 unless the Longhorns decide to jump ship sooner. With two years still left to develop as a high schooler, his best times would have already made in the A-final in the 200 butterfly and 400 IM, the B-final in the 500 free, and the C-final in the 200 free at last season’s SEC Championships.
Best Times:
- 400 IM: 3:46.21 (best in class)
- 500 free: 4:18.65 (best in class)
- 1000 free: 9:04.39
- 1650 free: 15:16.22
- 200 fly: 1:44.51 (best in class)
- 100 fly: 48.69
- 200 free: 1:35.29
- 100 free: 44.29
- 200 back: 1:47.21
- 200 breast: 1:58.46
- 200 IM: 1:47.28
SwimSwam’s Jared Anderson projected that Lucas will likely swim the 400 IM and 200 fly as his main collegiate events. The 500 free, 200 IM, and mile could all be options for a third event.
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.
FFT SOCIAL
Instagram – @fitterandfasterswimtour
Facebook – @fitterandfastertour
Twitter – @fitterandfaster
FFT is a SwimSwam partner.
This kid is an absolute beast! Be fascinating to see his development.
I am happy to announce that the “hysteria” and doomsday predictions about UT/Austin in last week’s comments are, as I said back then, grossly overdone.
And now, read these comments and get the fuller picture.
Cal? Great team for sure, but UT/Austin will handle them nicely this year at NCAA’s
.
PS: UT diving has done some amazing work the past two weeks!
Maaaaaattttttttt!
this is sooooo MATT
COOOOOOOOOP
First off, congratulations to this kid, i hope Texas works out for academics and swimming. Being in state, UTexas is already affordable, so I be doubt a scholarship had much to do with it.
Where do people think Diehl will go? I believe he narrowed it to Cal, NcSt, and Louisville. (I hope he takes his time, he can obviously go anywhere, he’s the best raw recruit I’ve seen.)
It seems, from an interview he gave, that starting somewhat close to home (Maryland) was appealing. And he’s gotten where he is without needing the bright lights of a big program to fuel his motivation.
For some reason, I think he’s got Texas over Cal. He seems to be very chummy with those guys
Diehl is 100% going NCST
Going to Naval Academy guaranteed
Odd they are signing guys when so many leaving
Is it?
They probably freed up some scholarship money. Texas is always going to have recruiting pull.
How does the scholarship count work with in state vs out of state students?
I’m wondering if Texas even has to give much scholarship money to in state guys. Unless it’s changed, UT used to be one of the best bargains for in state ppl.
My conf couldn’t give athletic scholarships, so I’ve never thought about how the total money avail is calculated
https://swimswam.com/russias-alexander-lyubavskiy-is-texas-second-2022-2023-international-team-member/#comment-1123137
Described it here.
The program is & always will be an icon. Texas men’s swimming will always enjoy immense credibility.
A more appropriate handle has yet to be created.
IM group go crazy
WPN > Texas