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Josiah Blankenship is set to begin his studies and continue his swimming career at William Carey University this fall, marking the university’s inaugural year with a swim program. Blankenship currently trains with Crimson Tide Aquatics in Alabama.
“I am proud to announce my verbal commitment to William Carey! I look forward to swimming in the inaugural season 2024!”
In 2021, Blankenship was a two-time champion at the SE Birmingham Swim League Region 3 Championship (SCY), placing 1st in the 100 back (1:01.36) and 200 back (2:10.60). Both swims were personal bests. He also ranked 4th in the 200 free (1:59.27), 5th in the 100 free (55.62), and 6th in the 50 free (25.40).
Blankenship has achieved 14 personal bests so far this year between LCM and SCY events. At the SE AUB Richard Quick Invitational (LCM) recently, he earned best times in five events, including the 50 free (25.34), 100 free (54.03), 200 free (2:00.79), 50 fly (30.82), and 200 IM (2:24.05).
Top LCM and SCY Times
| LCM | SCY |
| 100 free – 54.03 | 100 free – 48.03 |
| 200 free – 2:00.79 | 200 free – 1:46.62 |
| 200 back – 2:30.90 | 200 back – 2:07.07 |
| 200 IM – 2:24.05 | 200 IM – 2:04.54 |
William Carey University’s addition of a swim program will make it the first NAIA program in Mississippi. Robert Gonzalez, a successful high school coach from the state, has been appointed as the head coach. The team will be competing in the Sun conference, which is the best conference of the NAIA.
Blankenship will join Miguel Leal Vieira, Hunter Boudreau, Carson Dowd, and Millen Fehr as a part of the Crusaders’ first recruiting class. Blankenship leads the group in the 50 free, 100 free, and 200 free.
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How will practices be run in Hattiesburg when head coach lives and runs a club team over an hour away in Biloxi?