Adriel Huerta, of San Tan Valley, Arizona, has given his verbal commitment to join the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee Panthers in the fall of 2015.
“On the recruiting trip, it already felt like I was on the team because the coaches and swimmers made me feel welcomed and already took me under their wings. Even though the weather is gonna be a big change (from Arizona), I’m looking forward to being a Panther next fall.”
Huerta is a three-time All-District honoree from Basha High School in Chandler, Arizona. Swim team captain the last two years in a row, he has lettered in swimming every year. Huerta is also a member of National Honors Society, and Secretary of Interact Club.
Huerta also swims for Rio Salado Swim Club, where he has developed into a mid-distance freestyler and butterflier. His top times over the last two season are:
50y free: 22.37
100y free: 48.87
200y free: 1:44.00
500y free: 4:44.86
1650y free: 16:36.99
100y fly: 52.50
200y fly: 1:57.62
400y IM: 4:12.73
Huerta has been improving at the longer distances over the last season and the Panthers are looking at his future potential in distance free events. Based on the results from 2014 Horizon League Championships, Huerta’s times are already within scoring range, or very close to that, in the longer freestyle events. The Panthers did well in those events, getting three of the 16 finalists, but two of their top distance swimmers will have graduated when Huerta starts so it makes sense to groom him to replace them.
[Author’s note: Adriel, just keep your hands, feet, and ears warm and you’ll be fine. Trust me; I’ve been there.]