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Nick Soares from Emmaus, Pennsylvania has announced his commitment to attending Division II Clarion University beginning in fall 2021-2022.
“I am proud to announce my commitment to continue my academic and swimming career at Clarion University. The new pool and athletic center, the swimmers I met and the great recruiting class helped make my decision. Coach Bree and Riley made me feel comfortable about the individual attention that students get at Clarion. I am looking forward to being part of a fast growing upcoming competitive program with a great tradition. Thanks to my parents, my family and my coaches for all they have done for me in and out of the pool. Go Golden Eagles!”
Soares just finished his senior year of high school at Emmaus High School. At the beginning of March, he placed second in the boys 100 backstroke with a time of 49.67 at the PIAA Boys and Girls 3A State Meet. This was a best time for him as well as a USA Swimming Summer Juniors cut. He also led off the medley relay with a 50 backstroke time of 23.29. Two weeks later he competed at the Middle Atlantic Senior Keystone Classic and notched a best time in the 200 backstroke as well. His best time of 1:49.13 was a Winter Juniors cut.
Last November, Soares achieved personal best times in long course at the US Open in Richmond. He finished 12th in the men’s 100 backstroke in a best time of 58.56. He also placed 9th in the men’s 200 backstroke with a time of 2:10.63. Soares time trialed the 100 butterfly at the meet and finished in a personal best of 58.15.
Soares competes for Emmaus Aquatic Club in Emmaus, PA. He is a Summer Junior qualifier in the 100 backstroke, Winter Junior qualifier in the 200 backstroke, and Futures qualifier in the 100 butterfly. His best short course times are:
- 100 backstroke – 49.62
- 200 backstroke – 1:49.13
- 100 butterfly – 51.17
- 200 butterfly – 1:53.82
- 100 freestyle – 47.71
- 200 freestyle – 1:43.06
Clarion University is a public university located in Clarion, Pennsylvania. According to the Clarion University website, Soares already has a time in the 100 backstroke that puts him faster than the school record of 50.02. He also is very close to the school record in the 200 backstroke which is 1:49.08, .05 faster than his current best time.
The school is a member of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference, and at this year’s conference meet, the Clarion men finished 6th. Soares will have an immediate impact at the conference meet. He would have won the 200 backstroke, placed 2nd in the 100 backstroke, and 7th in the 100 butterfly.
At the NCAA level, Soares already has the 2021 ‘B’ standard in the 100 and 200 backstrokes, although those times will be updated for this upcoming season. The 2021 ‘B’ cut in the 100 was 49.91 and 1:49.86 in the 200. He is just off the 2019 invite times of 49.10 and 1:48.17.
Soares will suit up this fall for Clarion and joins Brenek Strawn, Colton Hollon, David Bocci, Joe Feiser, Jordan Kutchak, and Mason Irwin in the class of 2025.
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