You are working on Staging1

Grand Canyon Adds Futures Qualifier Joe Stephenson For 2023-24

Fitter and Faster Swim Camps is the proud sponsor of SwimSwam’s College Recruiting Channel and all commitment news. For many, swimming in college is a lifelong dream that is pursued with dedication and determination. Fitter and Faster is proud to honor these athletes and those who supported them on their journey.

Joe Stephenson of Kingwood, Texas, has announced that he has signed with Grand Canyon University (GCU) to continue his academic and athletic career this fall. Stephenson recently graduated from Kingwood Park High School this spring. 

Stephenson, a member of Blue Tide Aquatics, swims mainly butterfly and IM events. In both short course and long course, he owns 2023 Futures qualifying times in the 200 fly, 200 IM, and 400 IM. He recently set a slew of long course season bests at the TWST June LC meet, highlighted by his 2nd place finish in the 200 fly (2:12.32).

Stephenson capped off his short course season in March at Speedo Sectionals in College Station. He earned as high as a 35th place finish in the 400 IM, where he set a personal best by over a second to post a time of 4:04.87. He also notched a best time in the 200 backstroke with a 1:53.38, marking a two second drop from 2022.

Prior to Sectionals he concluded his high school career at the UIL 5A State Championship. Stephenson advanced to finals in the 500 free with a best time of 4:41.49 in prelims. He stopped the clock at 4:41.96 in finals, ultimately earning 10th overall.

Top SCY Times:

  • 500 free – 4:41.49
  • 100 fly – 52.70
  • 200 fly – 1:50.77
  • 200 IM – 1:52.64
  • 400 IM – 4:04.87

The Grand Canyon men compete in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), where they placed 2nd at this year’s conference championships. The team is led by head coach Steve Schaffer, who recently wrapped up his 15th season in the role.

Stephenson’s best time in the 200 fly would have been just inside the top-16 at the WAC Championships this year, while his 400 IM time would have been just one spot shy of scoring range. 

Of the two events, the 400 IM was weaker for Grand Canyon with their only A-finalist being Griffin McKean (5th, 3:51.22). Adrian Curbelo led the way in the 200 fly with a 2nd place finish (1:44.91), while Guillermo Perosanz Lopez and McKean took 3rd (1:44.96) and 6th (1:47.46), respectively.  

Joining Stephenson in the GCU’s incoming class is Ian Hirota, Kyle Stocek, and Ethan Lindeman. Hirota is a breaststroker, while Stocek and Lindeman swim middle-distance freestyle.

If you have a commitment to report, please send an email with a photo (landscape, or horizontal, looks best) and a quote to [email protected].

About the Fitter and Faster Swim Tour 

Fitter & Faster Swim Camps feature the most innovative teaching platforms for competitive swimmers of all levels. Camps are produced year-round throughout the USA and Canada. All camps are led by elite swimmers and coaches. Visit fitterandfaster.com to find or request a swim camp near you.

FFT SOCIAL

Instagram – @fitterandfasterswimtour
Facebook – @fitterandfastertour
Twitter – @fitterandfaster

FFT is a SwimSwam partner.

0
Leave a Reply

Subscribe
Notify of

0 Comments
newest
oldest most voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

About Braden Keith

Braden Keith

Braden Keith is the Editor-in-Chief and a co-founder/co-owner of SwimSwam.com. He first got his feet wet by building The Swimmers' Circle beginning in January 2010, and now comes to SwimSwam to use that experience and help build a new leader in the sport of swimming. Aside from his life on the InterWet, …

Read More »