Cal All-American Tyler Messerschmidt revealed on his Facebook page today that he was heading home for the semester, meaning a redshirt for the 2012-2013 NCAA season and a huge blow to the Cal men’s hopes of repeating as NCAA Championships.
In a public post, Messerschmidt announced that he would return home to Arizona, where he would focus on training and going to community college to raise his GPA. Then he plans to return to Cal and regain his mantle as one of the team’s best sprinters.
Messerschmidt was a 25-point NCAA scorer last season, including winning the B-Final in the 50 free (19.45) and finishing 8th in the 100 (42.82). He was also a part of four All-American relays, including National Championship winning 200 free and 400 medley relays.
All credit goes to Messerschmidt, as he’s taking a very mature approach to the situation. Though it’s always disappointing to see a swimmer have to miss a season, especially one as talented as Messerschmidt, one must always remember that it is better for mistakes to happen in the relatively safe environment of college. Here’s to rooting for Tyler to have success in his hiatus and come back better-than-ever.
In high school, Messerschmidt trained with the Westside Silverfins, but their coach Matt Rankin is now the head coach at the Phoenix Swim Club. For now, he will work with the Scottsdale Aquatic Club and coach Bob Platt.
Messerschmidt tells us that for now, he’s going to focus on staying fit and sharp in the water, but all of his energy will be dedicated to getting his school straightened out and getting back to Cal.
This is not the first time Messerschmidt has had academic issues. He was having academic compliance problems the spring/summer before he got to Cal. Hoping for the best for this kid, but don’t know if he’ll be back at Cal.
I applaud the decison and how Tyler is taking control of the situation, I hope it works out for him. He is making the best of things and kudos for him posting it for everyone to see and not hiding it.
So, does this seem to be happening more and more often now, or is the frequency the same and it’s just that the proliferation of insider knowledge via the internet is just making it more known?
Good for him? he got booted for poor grades. Why is that good? Who is Bob Platt and when did he coach at Phoenix?
Scottsdale Aquatics has taken over. They have all of PSC’s best swimmers. Not a surprise that Tyler wouldn’t swim w coach Rankin at PSC.
No Steve, you did not miss anything. Kevin Zacker is the head coach of Scottsdale Aquatic Club and Bob is an assistant senior coach. Bob coached the sprint group at Westside Silver Fins for several years but has never coached at Phoenix Swim Club.
Interesting, I didn’t know you could redshirt if you get kicked out of school for having bad grades.
That is not a redshirt. He is not in Cal anymore so that is not a redshirt.
Makes no sense.
Good for him. For guys at this level, sometimes a few months away only serves to further stoke the fire. No need to be concerned for his future success at all. Glad he is taking the time to keep his life balanced, it will matter most in the long run.