Owen Pogwist '21 Recruiting Profile

I started swimming when I was four years old.  I took to it naturally.  Swimming is in my blood.  My mom was a swimmer and a sprinter, like me. My three aunts swam.  Two of them swam for The Bolles School in Jacksonville, Florida.  My aunt, Chelsea Hastings, went to the Olympic trials in 2000 and was a decorated USA swimmer.  My family has influenced me to swim and work hard toward my goals.  I joined a USA swim team at the Henson Family YMCA in Salisbury, MD when I was 10, competing in USA meets and in my local league. I joined the High School swim team as a freshman.  

 I recently competed in the 2020 Cape Henlopen High School Conference Championship and Delaware High School Championship.  I remain undefeated in the Cape Henlopen Conference in the 100-fly swimming a 52.82 at champs. I came in 2nd in the 100 back swimming a 56.52.  I was selected for the Boys 1st Team All-Conference as well.   At the Delaware High School State Championship, I came in 4th, missing 3rd by .60 in the 100-fly swimming my second fastest time, 52.72, which re-qualified me for YMCA Nationals.    I was also selected for the Delaware High School Boys Second Team Boys All State.  I made my first YMCA National cuts as a sophomore in the 100 fly, 52.41, and 50 free, 22.07.  I achieved three best times at Nationals in the 50 Free, 22.07.  I cut time in the 100 Free, 49.69 and 100 IM, 57.03 also.  I’m ranked 4th in the State of Delaware, class of 2021. I was selected for the Maryland Olympic training team 2018 and traveled to the Colorado Olympic training center.  Only 12 boys can qualify for this team in the state of Maryland. 

This past year I also participated in the YMCA LCM Nationals in August. I had time drops in the 100 fly, 50 free, 100 free, and 100 back during the LCM season. I ended the season with a 1.00.70 in the 100 fly, I dropped in three events at YMCA Nationals, 25.42 in the 50 free, 57.45 in a 100 free, and a 1.07.76 in 100 back. I am especially proud of my time in 50 fly LCM. I placed 35^th at Summer YMCA Nationals with a time of 27.01.

 I have received many awards in Maryland State and High School swimming.  I like the discipline and routine that swimming provides in my life.  Swimming clears my mind and gives me a foundation to be successful in life.  I possess the qualities to become a great swimmer with an excellent college swim program.  My first goal is to make USA Junior Nationals before I graduate high school.   In college I hope to make a cut for USA Nationals.   Academically, I want to get a degree in entrepreneurship.  It is my dream to own my business.  I believe, I have the qualities to be a successful business owner, determination, creative, resourceful and I am told I have a good personality.  I want to make my family proud.  With your coaching direction, hours of practice to include cross training and my determination, I will work hard to help the team achieve swimming collegiate goals.