Missouri State Gets Verbal from Arkansas Distance Ace Antonio Thomas

Missouri State is adding to an already strong distance group with a recent commitment from Antonio Thomas, whose current best times would have landed him deep in the A-final of the Mid-American Conference last year.  Antonio is joining fellow Arkansas standout and current Bears freshman Minki Kang to make sure that the Bears have the long events covered for the next few years.

Antonio currently swims for the Razorback Aquatic Club “Aquahawgs” in Fayetteville, Arkansas and is a Scholastic All-American and High School State Champion for Haas Hall Academy whose name is known across the midwest for his dominating distance performances.  Antonio took ownership of the 500, 1000 and 1650 crowns at the 2015 spring Sectional meet at Jenks.  He took the distance high point award at that meet as well as at the following summer sectionals at Mizzou.  He is a US Open qualifier in the long course 800 meter free, and raced the 400, 800, and 1500 meter freestyles, along with the 400 IM at summer Juniors.

Antonio’s top times:

Photo Credit: Antonio Thomas

SCY:

500 free 4:28.81

1000 free 9:19.24

1650 free 15:28.54

400 IM 3:59.84

LCM:

400 free 4:02.28

800 free 8:18.39

1500 free 15:58.15

400 IM 4:36.16

“I was looking for schools with a great film program as well as a great swim team, and I found that at Missouri State.  Family means a lot to me.  My family is very close, so being two and a half hours away really means a lot. Having the security to know that your family will be there for you when you need them is very helpful.  On top of that, the swim team at Missouri State University is one of the tightest groups of people I have ever seen.  They are truly a family, and that is something I really wanted to be a part of.”