NEW COMMITS: Southern Methodist University has added two new verbal commitments to their growing class of 2025 from Suffield, Conn. natice Joe Rusnock and Rylan Stevenson of Acampo, Calif.
Both talented swimmers will join Russel Exum, Max Zaunich, Cotton Fields, Sawyer Inglis and Angus Corbeau as a member of the Mustangs in the fall of 2021.
JOE RUSNOCK
Photo Courtesy: Joe Rusnock
Regarding his commitment, he said:
“I’m excited to go to SMU because Coach Rhodenbaugh and Coach Dawley are great coaches and SMU’s facilities are first rate. The academics are outstanding and campus is gorgeous. I can’t wait to get to the Hilltop and join the Mustangs. Pony Up!”
Primarily a breaststroker, Rusnock does his club swimming with Farmington Valley YMCA Tsunami and placed seventh in the 100 breast at YMCA Nationals in April 2019. Last summer, he achieved 100% best times at YMCA LCM Nationals where he finished 11th in the 50m breast, 14th in the 100m breast, and 15th in the 50m back.
His best times include:
- 100 breast – 56.11
- 200 breast – 2:05.72
- 200 IM – 1:53.68
Also competing for Suffield Academy, Rusnock is a six-time New England Prep School DI Championship finalist. He won the 100 breast and placed fourth in the 200 IM as a junior while taking second and fifth, respectively, in those events during his sophomore season.
RYLAN STEVENSON
Photo Courtesy: Rylan Stevenson
Regarding his commitment, he said:
“I would like to proudly announce that I will be committing to Southern Methodist University. I will be continuing my academic and athletic career in the beautiful city of Dallas. I would like to thank my family and coaches for supporting me throughout my career it’s never been easy but I’m glad we made it through. I would also like to thank coach Rody and coach Keith for seeing my potential and adding me to the mustangs. ???”
A talented sprinter, Stevenson swims year-round with California Gold and sprinted to 10th place in both the 50 free and 100 free at Carlsbad Sectionals after earning two lifetime bests at Juniors West. He also finished fourth in the 50m free and eighth in the 100m breast at Santa Clarita Sectionals last long course season.
His best times include:
- 50 free – 20.71
- 100 free – 45.39
- 200 free – 1:41.89
- 100 breast – 56.75
A current senior at Lodi High School, Stevenson competed in the 50 free at the CIF State Championships during his sophomore year. He also took fifth in the 50 free and and sixth in the 100 free at the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Championships in 2019.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
Congratulations Joe!