Justin Rich, originally from Midlothian, Virginia, has announced he will leave Ohio State to swim for Virginia Tech next fall. Rich was on the Buckeyes’ roster for the 2016-17 season and the 2017-18 season; he will have two years of eligibility for the H2Okies.
“I’m excited to announce my commitment to continue swimming at Virginia Tech. Finishing out the final years of college under an amazing coaching staff headed by Sergio Lopez will be a humbling and special opportunity that I am very fortunate to be a part of. I am already grateful for the team welcoming me in with open arms, especially Josh Huger, who’s made the transfer as seamless as possible. Go Hokies!”
Rich, who swims club for Poseidon Swimming, specializes in the shorter end of the freestyle range. His top times as a freshman at Ohio State were 20.49 in the 50 free (13th-fastest of the year) and 45.77 in the 100 free (18th-fastest). This past season he improved to 20.43 and 44.28 at the Ohio State Winter Invite, where he placed 6th and 3rd in the respective events. He also went 1:38.13 in the 200 free, finishing 2nd, and swam a 19.85 split on the end of the 4×50 medley relay and 19.97 on the third leg of the 4×50 free relay.
Top SCY times:
- 50 free – 20.43
- 100 free – 44.28
- 200 free – 1:38.13
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