NEW COMMIT: The University of Tennessee has received a new verbal commitment for the 2020-21 season and beyond from local standout Thomas Horne of Sevierville, Tenn.
In addition to Horne, the Vols have already snagged verbal commitments from Rafael Nicolas Ponce De Leon, Jordan Tiffany, Will Jackson, Jack Gillespie, Joseph Jordan, Alexander Milanovich, Jacob McDonald, Cole Whitsett and Harrison Lierz.
No stranger to the Vols’ program, Horne does his club swimming with Tennessee Aquatics and owns the U.S. Open cut in the 200m fly. He recorded a best time at Junior Nationals this past summer after earning bronze in the 200m fly at the Southeastern LCM Championships. Last winter he raced his signature event at Winter Nationals, earned three best times at Juniors East, and recorded a trio of top-10 finishes at the Southern Premier Invite.
Also competing for Sevierville High School, Horne is a six-time TISCA State Championship finalist. The USA Swimming Scholastic All-American was the 100 fly runner-up and took third in the 200 free as a junior after placing second in the former event as well as fifth in the 200 IM during his sophomore season.
He told Swimming World:
“I’m proud to announce my Verbal commitment to the University of Tennessee. The academic opportunities are outstanding and the swim team is on a mission. I’m ready to be a part of that mission and bleed orange.”
His best times include:
- 100 fly – 49.24
- 200 fly – 1:47.03
- 200 free – 1:40.99
- 200 IM – 1:51.83
- 400 IM – 3:54.68
- 100 back – 50.67
- 200 back – 1:52.20
Horne’s versatility will be extremely beneficial for Tennessee when he arrives on Rocky Top as a member of the class of 2024. It took 47.52/1:46.96 in the 100/200 fly, 1:36.25 in the 200 free, and 1:46.47/3:50.06 in the 200/400IM to score at 2019 SEC Championships, but Horne has consistently made improvements each season and is fresh off a strong summer season.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
Go Vols