Garrett Weber-Gale Smashes National High School Mark, Clocks 43.49 for 100 yards Free

MADISON, Wisc., February 23. ONE of the oldest public high school records on the books fell here last evening.

Nicolet High School (Glendale, Wisc.) senior Garrett Weber-Gale raced to a 43.49 for the 100 yard freestyle during the Wisconsin state Division 1 Championships, breaking the old record of 43.73.

The previous standard was set by former Cal All-America Ugur Taner, who went that 43.73 during his prep days at Newport (Washington) High School, 11 years ago to the day. Taner, a 1992 Olympian for turkey, just missed making the US Olympic Team in '96 in the 200 free and 200 fly.

Garrett's time, of course, was also a state record. The old mark was set in 1984 — before Garrett was born. The time also broke the pool record of 44.40 set in 1986 by current University of Wisconsin coach, Eric Hansen.

The all-time fastest prep 100 free still belongs to former St. Xavier (OH) and also former Stanford NCAA champ Joe Hudepohl, who swam a 43.43 as a prepster on February 15, 1991.

Weber-Gale also won the 100 back in 49.73, tying his own state record.

Weber-Gale, who just turned 17, will compete for the University of Texas Longhorns next year under 2004 Olympic coach Eddie Reese and represent Circle C in club swimming at Spring Nationals. Circle C coach Randy Reese was instrumental in helping Garret begin to realize his potential. Dwight Davis is Garrett's high school coach at Nicolet and has been a great supporter.

Kyle Bubolz, a junior at Waukesha North High and former Swimming World Age Grouper of the Month — plus a member of the United States' team that competed in the Australian Olympic Youth Festival last month at the Olympic Pool in Sydney — set a state record with his pr 47.71 for the 100 fly, fastest nationally for 2002-03.

He also won the 50 free in 20.82, just off his 20.76 state record from last season.

SwimInfo will soon have complete coverage of this meet plus last weekend's Texas state prep meet and the Ohio high school championships this weekend in Canton.

Name*

Email*

Welcome to our community. We invite you to join our discussion. Our community guidelines are simple: be respectful and constructive, keep on topic, and support your fellow commenters. Commenting signifies that you agree to our Terms of Use