Jacob Molacek will leave the Auburn swimming program after two seasons, sources close to the family have confirmed. Molacek has decided to leave the Auburn program, but is still weighing his options about the future, with sitting out a season being a possibility.
Molacek was a top-20 recruit in the high school class of 2016.
Molacek came to Auburn as the National High School Record holder in the 100 breaststroke, but during his sophomore year had his biggest impact for the Tigers as a sprint freestyler. He swam on the team’s scoring 200 and 400 free relays at the 2016 NCAA Championships that were 6th and 7th, respectively. That included an 18.98 split in finals of the 200 free relay.
After a successful freshman year that saw him qualify for NCAAs individually, his times faltered during his sophomore season. His season best in the 100 breaststroke at the 2016 SEC Championships was a 53.88: more than a second short of his lifetime best of 52.45 done a year earlier.
Lifetime bests (flat starts):
- 50 free – 19.44 (freshman season)
- 100 free – 42.85 (freshman season)
- 200 free – 1:36.58 (senior year of high school)
- 100 breaststroke – 52.45 (freshman season)
- 200 IM – 1:43.71 (freshman season)
Molacek didn’t race individually at the 2016 NCAA Championships.
Wherever Molacek lands, he could fill a number of roles. He doesn’t have a weak stroke, including lifetime bests of 48.1 and 48.2 in the 100 fly and 100 back during his high school career.
This summer, Molacek has returned home to Omaha and is training with Tom Beck and Greater Omaha Aquatics, the club he swam for during his high school career. He swam at the Omaha Cup this past weekend, the official Olympic Trials warm-up meet, with meet-bests of:
- 50 free – 24.21
- 100 free – 52.42
- 200 free – 1:58.94
- 100 back – 59.36
Auburn will return senior breaststroker Michael Duderstadt, who had the 9th-fastest 100 yard breaststroke in the country last season (51.94). Molacek is now the only swimmer they’ll lose from their 200 free relay.
The Tigers bring in sprinter Colin Bone (20.91/44.86) this fall to help back-fill the program’s sprint group.
It’s defiantly not the time to “throw in the towel”, Jacob is a VERY talented swimmer. With what happened at Auburn, it’s going to take time for him to regain his talent. I have faith in him, and know he will overcome this hardship.
If my “ex girlfriend” told me to throw in the towel I would have a few choice phrases for her
Another swimmer jumping the Auburn ship. The athletic director must be too busy trying to get the football team on track to care about the once dominant men’s and women’s swim program. No head coach with this poor record would have lasted this long elsewhere.
Sad to see this once great team plunge into a downward spiral. I truly wish the current team members and recruits all the best there.
Maybe he has a situation that is none of our business. May he not lose years of his young life like the lass who recently wrote of her NCAA experience.
Nothing wrong with time out.
Hey Braden you forgot to mention that Auburn also lost a stud Brazilian Arthur Mendes. He finished his eligibility this semester and was also a big contributer to all their relays including more than a few sub-19 50 free splits on their 200 free relays
Being friends with Jacob, you can see the change Auburn has had on him. I won’t go into details, but him leaving Auburn is for the best. I wish him the best of luck in his future.
I’m his ex girlfriend and I agree
Liz would never comment so you’re an imposter. But good luck to jacob!
Huge, and I mean HUGE loss for Tigers – not surprising from everything you read and hear. Saw him swim at Jr. Nationals a few years ago. Thought he had an incredible feel for the water. I had the opportunity to talk to one of his HS coaches once that said that he has a work ethic like no other, and is one of the most coach able swimmers they had ever had the pleasure of coaching. Wishing him all the best – still convinced that this young man has a bright exciting swimming future and that his best swims are yet to come.
Coming from someone who has swam at the Auburn program… This is what happens when Auburn get taken under very poor leadership. You also have an athletic department that is extremely corrupt. Wishing Jacob the best.