Matthew Beach, a senior at Centennial High School in Franklin, Tennessee, verbally committed to swim for the University of Kentucky, starting next fall. “I chose The University of Kentucky because I love everything about the school and the swimming program. The beautiful campus, stunning pool, supportive coaches, committed team, and overall atmosphere of the school were the main factors that led me to my decision,” said Beach.
Beach is a flyer and mid-distance-freestyler, out of Excel Aquatics in Nashville. He can also swim a decent 200 and 400 I.M.. He is the 2014 Tennessee High School State Champion in the 100 Fly and placed third in the 200 Free at that meet, as well as splitting a 22.65 (Fly) on the 200 Medley Relay. He finished second to Laszlo Cseh in the 200 Fly at the short course 2014 Speedo Champions Series, held in Charlotte. He placed tenth in the 200 Fly at the 2013 Winter Junior Nationals. At the 2014 Summer Junior Nationals, he placed 30th in the 200 Free, 91st in the 200 Fly, 109th in the 100 Fly, and 43rd in the 400 Free.
Beach’s Best Times
(SCY/LCM)
200 Free: 1:39.61/1:53.43
500 Free: 4:29.91/4:01.46
1650 Free: 15:56.23/16:24.20
100 Fly: 48.82/57.27
200 Fly: 1:47.01/2:07.36
200 I.M.: 1:54.02/2:15.43
400 I.M.: 3:59.06/4:42.04
He Is Dropping Time
Beach had a successful junior campaign, dropping time in nearly every event. His fly improved dramatically in his junior season, as he was a 50.44 in the 100 and 1:54.38 in the 200 as a sophomore. He had a busy summer, dropping time and gaining more national level experience. In the 400 Free he dropped three seconds, as well as a second in the 200 Free. In his 100 and 200 Fly, he improved by half a second and 2 seconds. Beach’s progression suggests that he is in top form heading into his senior season. With several national level swimming events under his belt, he will most likely continue to improve, arriving at Kentucky even more developed.
Recruiting versatile swimmers like Beach is going to help Kentucky improve their SEC Championship placing. The Wildcats have depth in the events that Beach specializes in, but he would most likely be an immediate contributor on their 800 Free Relay and 400 Medley Relay. Next fall, Beach will be able to train with Kyle Higgins, among a deep butterfly group at Kentucky. Right now, Beach would be the Wildcat’s second best 200 Fly swimmer, with two other teammates right behind him. With the C Final scoring format in the SEC, Beach would also make an immediate contribution, scoring points in the 200 Fly. The Wildcats may be able to develop his 1650 Free into a scoring event as well. His 400 I.M., 100 Fly, 200 Free, and 500 Free can all be developed into scoring events. As his final high school season unfolds, Beach may grow to be a top asset for Kentucky in several events.
Congrats sweet nephew! Kp mkg us proud! 🙂