Ian Charles '18 Recruiting Profile

I compete on a small team, both Club and high school.   One of my favorite highlights of my high school career has been making Division 1 state for 2 relays with my teammates as a sophomore.   Not only did we break our school record several times throughout the season, we placed 8^th overall in our medley relay  and 9th in our 200 free swimming against the biggest teams in the state.     My sophomore season was fun, exciting and by far the best results our high school program has produced.

However, I feel I grew the most as a leader and athlete my junior year, when my relay teammates and good friends graduated the year before and I was Captain of a very young team of new swimmers.   With so many new swimmers, it meant that I had to swim events that I normally didn’t – which included swimming the 500 free, and not swimming my 100 fly.    I found that I really enjoyed the challenge of the distance swim and swam it at Sectionals.   I missed making the state on both my 500 and 200 free by one position!   So I headed to Club Regionals and added 4 new cuts, including the 500 and 1000 free, for a total of 7 cuts to WI State.    Since my first 500 in High School to Speedo Sectionals I have cut off 18 seconds on my 500 free and with 3 swims at the 1000 free, I have cut off 20 seconds and on the verge of breaking the 10 minute mark.    And although this past season was one of change and new challenges, I am excited that I have found 2 new events that I’m really excited to train for and achieve my potential.

My passion for swimming goes beyond my performance in the pool.   I have been coaching our younger swimmers on my club team and also coaching Special Olympics.   I am looking for a program that will be a good fit for me athletically, that continues to challenge me, as well as academically.    I know I have the talent, work-ethic and leadership skills to contribute to your program my first year!