NEW COMMIT: Ridley Park, Penn. native Sam Wesley has verbally committed to United States Military Academy at West Point and will suit up for the Black Knights as a member of the class of 2024.
A U.S. Open qualifier, Wesley does his club swimming with Ridley Area YMCA Stingrays and most recently earned bronze in the 200m IM at YMCA LCM Nationals this past summer where he also registered four additional top-12 finishes. Last winter, he notched 100% best times at Juniors East before going on to win the 200 back at YMCA SCY Nationals in April.
Also competing for Episcopal Academy, Wesley is a six-time Eastern Interscholastic Championship finalist. The two-time USA Swimming Scholastic All-American took third in the 200 free and fourth in the 100 back as a junior after placing sixth in the 200 IM and seventh in the 100 back during his sophomore season.
He told Swimming World:
“I am thrilled and proud to announce my verbal commitment to continue my education and swimming career at the United States Military Academy at West Point! The combination of stellar academics and competitive athletics, West’s Point’s reputation for leadership development, and the opportunity to serve my country confirmed my decision. I would like to express endless thanks to my family, coaches, friends, and everyone around me who challenged and supported me to get to this point. I cannot wait to be a part of the Black Knights’ swimming and diving family, which is led by a remarkable coaching staff and an encouraging group of cadet swimmers and divers. Go Army! Beat Navy!”
His best times include:
- 100 free – 45.77
- 200 free – 1:38.62
- 100 back – 49.82
- 200 back – 1:45.04
- 200 IM – 1:49.22
Wesley will make an immediate impact when he arrives on campus at the start of the 2020-21 season as his best times already rank near the top of their lineup. He would’ve scored in the A-final of the 100 back, 200 back, and 200 IM as well as the B-final of the 100 free and 200 free at the 2019 Patriot League Championships where Army finished second overall in the team standings.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
We are all very proud of you Sam! We look forwarding to watching lots of college swim meets since West Point is an easy 2 hour and 20 minute drive from home and many schools in your division are a similar distance. Thanks for serving your country and following in the steps of many ancestors.
Not an easy choice. You met many people along this journey, but your heart has been true. Be Good, Do Good!
Venable Wesley (137th NY, Culps Hill, Battle of Gettysburg) will watch over Sam and his brothers and sisters in arms.
Congrats Sam!
Congratulations, Sam! (from Jack’s g’mother, an EA fan)