NEW COMMITS: The University of Alabama has recently received a pair of verbal commitments for the fall of 2021 from Nevada, Mo. native Ben Hines and Mateo Miceli of Omaha, Neb.
Both swimmers will join Nikolas Lee-Bishop and Holden Smith in Tuscaloosa as members of the class of 2025.
BEN HINES
A talented sprint freestyler and butterflyer, Hines swims year-round with Berzerker Swimming and owns three Summer Juniors standards. He earned five best times this past summer at NCSAs where he finished ninth in both the 50m free and 50m fly after winning four events at Arkansas LCM Seniors. Last winter he raced two events at Juniors West, took fifth in the 50 free at Columbia Sectionals, and finished 20th in the 50 fly at NCSAs.
A current junior at Nevada High School, Hines is a six-time Missouri Class 1 State Championship finalist and most recently set a state record in the 50 free. He earned gold in the 50/100 free combo during both his sophomore and junior seasons after taking silver and bronze, respectively, in those events as a freshman.
Regarding his commitment, he said:
“I am extremely honored and blessed to announce my verbal commitment to continue my swimming and academic career at the University of Alabama. I would like to think my family for where I am today and all my coaches. Roll Tide!? #BamaSpeed #RollTide”
His best times include:
- 50 fly – 21.69
- 100 fly – 49.07
- 50 free – 20.07
- 100 free – 45.28
- 200 free – 1:41.98
MATEO MICELI
Primarily a backstroker, Miceli is a two-time U.S. Open qualifier who swims year-round with Sarpy County Swim Club. He capped off his summer season with a pair of best times at Junior Nationals after earning the runner-up spot in the 200m back at Jenks Sectionals. Last short course season, he raced three events at Juniors West before going on to place second in the 200 back at Columbia Sectionals.
Also competing for Millard West High School, Miceli is a four-time Nebraska State Championship finalist. He finished second in both the 100 back and 100 fly during his sophomore season while taking sixth and third, respectively, in those events during his rookie campaign.
Regarding his commitment, he said:
“I’m extremely honored to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and swimming career at the University of Alabama! I would like to first give a special thanks to God, my family, and my friends for all the support through this tough decision. I would also like to thank my coaches for helping me get to where I am today. I am super excited to work with the coaches and staff at the University of Alabama!! #rolltide”
His best times include:
- 50 back – 23.61
- 100 back – 48.61
- 200 back – 1:46.18
- 100 fly – 48.58
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
