NEW COMMITS: The University of Tennessee has earned a pair of verbal commitments for the fall of 2020 from Chattanooga, Tennessee’s Will Jackson and Granite Bay, California’s Jack Gillespie.
The Vols have been on top of their early recruiting game. In addition to Jackson and Gillespie, Tennessee has already snagged verbal commitments from Joseph Jordan, Alexander Milanovich, Jacob McDonald, Cole Whitsett and Harrison Lierz.
Will Jackson
Photo Courtesy: Will Jackson
Primarily a mid-distance freestyler, Jackson does his club swimming with McCallie GPS Aquatics and owns the Winter Juniors standard in the 200/500 free. He most recently competed at NCSAs where he recorded a pair of lifetime bests with his highest finish being a 21st-place showing in the 200 free. He earned 100% lifetime bests at Southeastern SCY Championships in February and capped off his long course season by finishing seventh in the 100m/200m free at the Southeastern LCM Championships.
Also competing for McCallie School, Jackson is a four-time TISCA Tennessee State Championship finalist. He won the 500 free and was the 200 free runner-up as a junior after placing sixth and fifth, respectively, in those events during his sophomore season.
He told Swimming World:
“Tennessee is the best fit for me both academically and athletically. I love the coaches and the team, and can’t wait to get to Knoxville. Go Vols!”
His best times include:
- 50 free – 21.22
- 100 free – 45.79
- 200 free – 1:38.14
- 500 free – 4:30.59
- 400 IM – 4:11.01
Jack Gillespie
Photo Courtesy: Jack Gillespie
Gillespie swims year-round with Sierra Marlins Swim Team and owns the Winter Junior standards in both fly events. At Carlsbad Speedo Sectionals in March, he notched a pair of best times and finished 21st in the 200 fly after racing four events at Juniors East in December. He achieved 100% lifetime bests at the Western Zone Senior Championships where he grabbed the silver medal in the 200m fly to conclude his summer long course season.
Also competing for Granite Bay High School, Gillespie qualified for the CIF State Championships during his junior season after placing fourth in both the 100 fly and 200 IM at the CIF-Joaquin Section meet. He has also earned USA Swimming Scholastic All-American honors for his efforts.
He told Swimming World:
“I’m stoked to announce my commitment to continue my education and swim at the University of Tennessee. Thank you to my coaches, the boys, and my parents who helped get me here.”
His best times include:
- 100 fly – 50.13
- 200 fly – 1:50.41
- 200 IM – 1:52.41
- 100 back – 51.57
- 50 free – 21.13
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
Yay! Jack ?