NEW COMMIT: Bishop, Ga. breaststroker Jackson Bates and backstroker/freestyler Sam Parker of Savannah, Ga. have handed their in-state verbal commitments to the University of Georgia and will arrive in Athens at the start of the 2021-22 season.
Both swimmers will join Mitchell Norton, Henré Louw, Zach Kohm and Ryan Wylie as a member of the Bulldogs’ class of 2025.
JACKSON BATES
Photo Courtesy: Jackson Bates via CollegeSwimming
Regarding his commitment, he said:
“So excited to announce my verbal commitment to the University of Georgia! I loved everything about UGA, and I can’t wait to further my academic and athletic careers there. Go Dawgs!??”
No stranger to Georgia’s program, Bates swims year-round with Athens Bulldog Swim Club and owns a pair of U.S. Open cuts in both breaststroke events. He most recently earned bronze in the 100m breast and 200m breast at Cary Sectionals and raced those two events at Juniors East. Last summer, he achieved four best times at Georgia LCM Seniors before going on to win the 100m/200m breast combo at Southern Zone Age Groups.
His best times include:
- 100 breast – 56.21
- 200 breast – 2:01.20
- 100m breast – 1:04.83
- 200m breast – 2:20.33
A current junior at Westminster Christian Academy, Bates won the 50 breast and the 100 IM at the 2017 GICAA State Championships during his freshman season. He has also earned USA Swimming Scholastic All-American honors for his efforts.
SAM PARKER
Photo Courtesy: Sam Parker Instagram (@sam_parker01)
Regarding his commitment, he said:
“I’m pumped to announce my verbal commitment to swim at The University of Georgia! I’d like to thank my coaches, family, and teammates for helping me get to this point. I’m excited for what’s to come and for being a future Dawg! Sic ‘Em”
Parker, who has achieved one U.S. Open cut with three additional Junior National standards, does his club swimming with Georgia Coastal Aquatic Team. He notched a best times at Juniors East in December and had four top-15 finishes at TYR Junior Nationals last short course season. He also raced to fifth place in the 100m back at Georgia LCM Seniors in July.
His best times include:
- 100 back – 50.39
- 200 back – 1:50.35
- 100 free – 45.19
- 200 free – 1:39.84
Under head coach Jack Bauerle, Georgia finished third at the 2020 SEC Championships.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
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