Caleb Patton '22 Recruiting Profile

   I have been swimming since I was six.  I have tried other sports including football and baseball but swimming is where I found my place.  Swimming has allowed me to push myself and to reach for goals that sometimes even I couldn't imagine achieving.  My first club coach, Bob O'donell,  who is a former Ironman competitor, has been a great inspiration to me.  His constant drive and dedication to improve has instilled an intense work ethic in my swimming career.  

    With my coaches and teammates I have been able to achieve many of my swimming goals.  I can remember how excited I was to break 30 seconds in the 50 free.  Then breaking a minute in the 100 free, those milestones only made me want to improve even more.  Last year I finished second and third at states in my individual events as a sophmore.  Those finishes left me with a hunger to win a state title.  After a difficult year filled with dealing with COVID and pool closings, a shortened competition season I was able to achieve that goal.  With the help of my amazing coaches and teammates I was able to win the VHSL 2A state title this year in the 100 backstroke.  I wish I could say I won both of my individual events, but I cannot.  However next year is a new year and I now have a new goal to work toward.  

     I am looking for a school that will allow me to pursue my academic and career goals in the medical field, while also allowing me to compete at a high level in the pool.  I may not win every race, but I will never stop striving for that goal.