NEW COMMIT: The University of Kentucky has picked up another verbal commitment for the men’s team for their growing Class of 2027 from Junior National qualifier AJ Abram of Urbandale, Iowa.
He will join Isaac Fleig in Lexington in the fall of 2023.
He told Swimming World:
“I am extremely excited to announce that I will be furthering my academic and athletic career at the University of Kentucky! A very big Thank You to my family, friends, coaches, and teammates that have helped me get to where I am today. And with that, GO CATS!”
A talented freestyler, Abram does his club swimming with YMCA of Greater Des Moines / DSMY Marlins and earned four best times at the Iowa LCM Championships this past summer where he was the runner-up in the 200m free. Last short course season, he collected silver in the 50 free and a trio of bronzes in the 100/200 free and 100 IM at Iowa Seniors in February.
Currently a junior at Waukee Senior High School, Abram is already a four-time individual Iowa State Championship finalist. He earned bronze in both the 100 free and 200 free as a sophomore while taking fourth and third, respectively, in those events during his freshman season.
His best times include:
- 50 free – 21.01
- 100 free – 45.49
- 200 free – 1:39.49
- 500 free – 4:32.47
Under head coach Lars Jorgensen, the Wildcats finished seventh at the 2021 SEC Championships with 759 points. Their point total surpassed the previous program record of 724 points scored the year prior and was the fifth consecutive year the men’s team has bested the school mark.
Kentucky is in an excellent position to continue moving up the rankings this season, as five of the eight relay swimmers, 11 of the 15 point scorers, and 330 of the 559 individual points scored are back in Lexington once again.
The Wildcats also have Phillip Khenner, Sean Mackey, Drew Johnson, Kevin Glennon, Levi Sandidge, Ryan Merani, Brady McInerney, Logan Smith and Logan Ingerick joining the program in 2022.
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