NEW COMMIT: Big Blue Nation will soon welcome another new swimmer to campus as in-state native Phillip Khenner of Bowling Green has verbally committed to the University of Kentucky beginning in the fall of 2022.
He will join Sean Mackey, Drew Johnson, Kevin Glennon, Levi Sandidge, Ryan Merani, Brady McInerney, Logan Smith and Logan Ingerick as a member of the Wildcats’ Class of 2026.
Regarding his commitment, he said:
“I’m extremely excited to announce my commitment to continue my athletic and academics careers at the University of Kentucky! I want to thank my family, coaches, friends, and teammates for getting me to this point. Go Cats!! #BBN”
A sprint freestyler, Khenner trains year-round with Southern Kentucky Swim Club and most recently earned two best times at the Kentucky Long Course Championships where his highest finish was a third-place showing in the 100m free. Back in December, he notched five lifetime bests at the 18&U Winter Championships – Barboursville en route to taking fifth in the 200 free.
His best times include:
- 50 free – 21.93
- 100 free – 46.96
- 200 free – 1:42.80
Also competing for Bowling Green High School, Khenner is a four-time individual Kentucky State Championship finalist. He placed ninth in the 200 free and 12th in the 100 free as a junior while taking eighth in the 500 free and 10th in the 200 free during his sophomore season.
He also won the 200 free and was the runner-up in the 100 free at the KHSAA Region Two Championships in 2021, earning silver in the 200/500 free the year prior.
Under head coach Lars Jorgensen, the Wildcats finished seventh at the 2021 SEC Championships with 759 points, the highest score in program history.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
