Siloam swimmer reaches Speedo Junior National Championships
Posted on Wednesday, August 6, 2008
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/hl/Lifestyles/25274/
BENTONVILLE — A pair of local swimmers will be in the Twin Cities competing in the Speedo Junior National Championships.
Michael Haefner and Ellis Miller of the Razorback Aquatic Club Aquahawgs swim club will compete against the nation’s best in Minneapolis at the University Aquatic Center on the campus of the University of Minnesota.
The championships began Monday and conclude Friday.
Haefner is a senior at Bentonville High School. He will compete in the 100- and 200-meter breaststroke, 200 individual medley and 200 freestyle.
“ I am ready to go, ” Haefner said. “ My coach said I have had the best week of training this summer. ”
The junior championships are the premier event for this age group and many college coaches will be in the stands scouting talent.
July was the first month college coaches were able to contact senior swimmers.
Haefner said he has received interest from the University of Missouri, University of Indiana, Louisville, University of Denver, University of Georgia and Virginia Tech.
He hopes to expand his options with a good showing at the championships.
“ It is a big deal, ” he said. “ I am looking forward at a chance to impress all those coaches. ”
Miller is a junior at Siloam Springs. He will compete in the 100 and 200 backstroke, 100 and 200 butterfly and 50 and 200 freestyle.
“ My goal is to make my Olympic trial cut, ” Miller said. “ I heard (the pool ) is fast. ”
The University Aquatics Center has a history of hosting championship caliber events.
Last week the center hosted the U. S. Open of swimming, which was a tune-up for swimmers competing in the Olympics.
Also, in 2007, the pool hosted the men’s and women’s NCAA Swimming & Diving National Championships.