NEW COMMIT: Stanford has received a verbal commitment from Kentucky state record-holder Will Tarvestad, one of only two members of the high school graduating class of 2019 who have broken 20 seconds in the 50 free. The Goshen, Ky. native will join the Cardinals as part of the class of 2023.
Tarvestad swims year-round with Triton Swimming under head coach Mike Essig where he is a four-time U.S. Open qualifier. He capped off a successful long course season as a two-time finalist at Junior Nationals and recorded a pair of lifetime bests at the TYR Pro Swim Series Columbus. At Junior Nationals East in December, his highest finish came in the 100 free (44.58) with a ninth-place showing. He was also a three-time champion at the 2018 Kentucky SCY Championships.
Also representing North Oldham High School, Tarvestad has finaled in every event he has swum at the KHSAA State Championships. As a junior, he won the 50 free (19.94) in state record-setting fashion and was the runner-up in the 100 free (44.16) en route to being named Swimmer of the Meet. He finished second in both of those events (20.63, 44.81) as a sophomore and placed first (21.10) and second (45.73), respectively, during his inaugural season. He has also earned NISCA and USA Swimming Scholastic All-American honors during his career thus far.
He told Swimming World:
“Excited to announce my verbal commitment to study and swim at Stanford University! Thank you to my family, coaches, team, and friends for helping me this far. Can’t wait to see what the future holds on The Farm! Go Card! #fearthetree”
His best times include:
- 50 free – 19.94
- 100 free – 44.16
- 200 free – 1:38.11
- 500 free – 4:30.47
- 100 back – 49.14
- 200 back – 1:48.26
- 100 fly – 48.73
Tarvestad will be extremely valuable when he arrives on The Farm for the 2019-20 season and he’ll join a training group that includes top returning sprinters Alex Liang and Albert Mestre. Both his fastest 50 and 100 free time would’ve scored in the B-final at the 2018 Pac-12 Championships where Stanford finished second in the team standings.
