While the Tennessee men’s swimming team is on a roll with current junior Sean Lehane leading the backstroke squad there, the coaches are working to reload the program already with a verbal commitment from Florida native Matthew Garcia.
Garcia, who represents Sarasota YMCA Sharks, has made some major progress in the backstroke events, particularly the 200 backstroke. In long course, Garcia dropped from 2:08.63 to 2:05.19 in one year, swimming his new lifetime best at this past summer’s junior nationals. In short course yards, he got down to 1:45.67 at last March’s YMCA nationals, which helped him place sixth at the meet.
His 100 back has equal potential, with a 48.86 best in short course yards and 58.47 in long course.
“I chose Tennessee for the motivated team atmosphere, the scientific coaching philosophy, and I can continue my strength and conditioning training with Vern Gambetta,” Garcia said. “I can’t wait to become part of the Vol family and look forward to the next four years.”
Gambetta, a dryland workout consultant for many teams in the United States, counts the Sarasota Sharks and the Tennessee Volunteers as two of his well-known teams.
Agon is the proud sponsor of all high school coverage (recruiting, results, state championships, etc.) on SwimmingWorld.com. For more information about Agon, visit their website AgonSwim.com.