The West Virginia men have gotten a verbal from up north, as Canadian IMer Philip Kay has verbally committed to join the Mountaineers next season. Kay is a swimmer for the Markham Aquatic Club, and will make the move to West Virginia from Ontario.
Kay doesn’t have any yards experience yet, but his long course times indicate his potential to be a big asset for WVU. Last season, Kay qualified to compete in 4 events at the 2016 Olympic Trials: the 200 IM, 400 IM, 200 back, and 200 breast. His highest finish came in the 400 IM, where he placed 10th in the championship final.
Kay’s Top Times:
| Event | Best time (LCM) | SCY Conversions |
| 200 IM | 2:04.65 | 1:49.41 |
| 400 IM | 4:25.97 | 3:53.84 |
| 100 back | 58.50 | 51.62 |
| 200 back | 2:05.68 | 1:51.06 |
| 100 breast | 1:06.23 | 57.86 |
| 200 breast | 2:20.96 | 2:03.38 |
When he arrives at West Virginia, Kay should have an immediate impact for the Mountaineers at the Big 12 Championships. If he translates his success to the short course pool, he’ll have some choices for which events he wants to swim there.
The yards conversions of his times are fast enough to score in at least 4 events. The 400 IM is arguably his best, though, as his converted 3:53.84 would’ve made the top 8 last season. His times inthe 200 IM, 100/200 breast, and 100/200 back would’ve made the B-final.
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