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Anthony Fitzgerald of Irvine, CA has announced his decision to swim for Wheaton College in Illinois beginning in the 2020-2021 season.
Fitzgerald shared the news by saying, “It is with my utmost excitement that I announce my commitment to continue my studies and swimming at Wheaton College this fall! Wheaton’s combination of exceptional academics and warm team camaraderie is what drew me there. I can’t wait to be a contributor in and out the pool at Wheaton. Thank you to my parents, coaches, family, and friends for helping me achieve my goals thus far. And thank you to Coach Ayers for all of his support through this process. Go Thunder!”
In April of 2019, Fitzgerald represented Crean Lutheran High School at the California CIF DIII Southern Division Championships. He swam the 200 IM (1:55.90) and the 100 breast (57.93), earning best times in each event. He also swam on his team’s 200 free and 200 medley relays. He anchored the 200 free relay, alongside William Sun, Thomas Fitt, and Joey Schell. He also swam the fly leg of the 200 medley relay, with Sun leading on back, John-Kanoa Loo on breast, and Schell closing for the team on free.
Fitzgerald was on the men’s varsity team throughout his four years at Crean Lutheran. He ran cross country during his first three years of high school, but did not pursue the sport his senior year so he could focus on swimming. Aside from swimming, Fitzgerald also earned multiple awards and was recognized for his academic endeavors. He is a Congressional Award Silver Medal recipient, a National Merit Scholar, and a 2019 USA Swimming Scholastic All-American, in addition to the awards he received from his high school. Fitzgerald took part in multiple volunteer activities both at school and in his community.
At the club level, Fitzgerald swims for Socal Aquatics Association. In December he competed at the Speedo Winter Junior National Championships – West. He placed 33rd in the 100 breast, going a personal best time of 56.25. He had gone his previous best time of 57.34 only a month earlier. He also qualified for the 200 breast (2:01.65) where he dropped 2.81 seconds to earn 26th place, just barely missing a spot in the C-final of the event. He also swam the 200 IM (1:52.98) and the 100 fly (51.96) during time trials.
Top SCY Times:
- 200 breast – 2:01.65
- 100 breast – 56.25
- 200 IM – 1:52.98
- 100 fly – 51.75
- 50 free – 22.13
When he joins the Wheaton men’s team in the fall, Fitzgerald will be the team’s fastest 100 and 200 breaststroker, and he will be their second-fastest 200 IMer behind rising-senior William Rinne. His top times would have placed him in the A-final in 4 events at the 2020 CCIW Championships. After prelims, he would have been seeded 5th in the 100 fly, 3rd in the 200 IM, 2nd in the 100 breast behind Mitchell Mages of Carthage College, and he would have been the top seed in the 200 breast. Fitzgerald is joining Wheaton College’s class of 2024.
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Congratulations, Big A! You’ve worked hard while juggling so much with such excellence. We are incredibly proud of you!
He didn’t get a senior year swim season. He was/is due for even faster times.