Promising Seniors-To-Be 2007: Morgan Priestley

PHOENIX, Arizona, June 2. MORGAN Priestley, who swims for Tom Wyllie at Birmingham Seaholm High and Kevin Fogarty and Mike Wind at the Birmingham Blue Dolphins in Birmingham, Mich., is the next subject of our Promising Seniors-To-Be series on SwimmingWorldMagazine.com.

As of the May 29 National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association (NISCA) release of All-American candidates, Priestley is the top junior in the 200 free with a time of 1:38.10 – second only to senior David Mosko's 1:37.97. Meanwhile, Priestley also logged times of 21.36 (50 free), 46.36 (100 free), 4:32.17 (500 free) and 52.42 (100 back) on the All-American applicant list.

Priestley, who is heading into his final summer as a high schooler, chatted with SwimmingWorldMagazine.com about the upcoming recruiting process and his thoughts on his swimming career.

Was there a watershed mark in your career that made it clear you had a gift for the sport and could achieve big things?
My first real breakout meet was high school states of my sophomore year. I won three events, posted one of the three fastest times in U.S. history for 15-year-olds in my 200 freestyle. I also helped my high school team surprise everyone and place third in one of the most competitive state meets around the country. My performance there boosted my self-confidence, showing me how much hard work could accomplish.

What type of interaction do you have with your coach when it comes to training? What kind of input do you have?
I have a great relationship with my coach, Tom Wyllie. For all of my three years in high school, I have worked well together with Tom because of my respect for him and his patient coaching mindset. My swimming has progressed immensely under his instruction, and he has always been open to training requests from me and my teammates. I get a great mix of sprinting, middle distance, long distance and weight training from Tom. He keeps it interesting, too; no practice is ever the same.

What are your goals for your senior season?
I want to leave my mark on swimming; both in Michigan, and nationally. This year, I felt like I underachieved at high school states (partly because of my two-month battle to stay healthy; another goal of mine next year), and I'm already very motivated to train harder and accomplish big things. In addition, I would like to come home from Fort Lauderdale next spring with more YMCA national titles.

Who has made the biggest impact on your swimming career to this point?
It would be impossible for me to choose just one person. My parents have been there for me every step of the way, through good and bad, and they have always supported my decisions. I really look up to my older brother Danny, who is always willing to help me or lend advice. Also, I never would have gotten to this point without the motivation of all of my coaches over the years. Every one of them has helped me strive to improve, and they have kept the sport fun.

Have you verbally committed to any University? If so, which one and why? If not, who is in your top five and why?
No, I haven't committed anywhere yet. I'm considering schools that have strong swimming and academic traditions. I will use this upcoming summer/fall recruiting season to choose my best option.

What has the recruiting process been like for you?
It's been great so far. The whole thing is very intriguing to me. Even after watching my brother go through this process a few years ago, and feeling like I had a solid perspective on the whole situation, I am learning more and more every day. Oh, and I'm excited for July 1!!!

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