Junior National 200 Back Runner-Up Nathan Hayes Sends Verbal to Georgia Tech

Photo Courtesy: Nathan Hayes

NEW COMMIT: Backstroker Nathan Hayes of Shoreline, Wash. has announced his verbal commitment to Georgia Tech and will join the Yellow Jackets in the fall of 2020.

Hayes, who swims year-round with Seattle Metropolitan Aquatic Club, owns the U.S. Open cut in the 100m back with the Olympic Trials standard in the 200m back. He most recently competed at Junior Nationals where he was the 200m back runner-up and took 14th in the 100m back after racing both of those events at Phillips 66 Nationals. Last winter, he finished 10th in the 200 back at Juniors West before going on to record three best times at Federal Way Speedo Sectionals.

Also competing for O’Dea High School, Hayes is a six-time Washington 3A State Championship finalist. He earned silver in the 100 back and took fifth in the 200 IM as a junior after finishing second in the former event as well as ninth in the 100 free during his sophomore season. He has also been awarded USA Swimming Scholastic All-American honors for his efforts.

He told Swimming World:

“I am very excited to announce my commitment to Georgia Tech! What really moved me to choose Georgia Tech over all the other colleges was how close knit the team was. It truly felt like a family. It’s been a long and hard road to get to where I am now, but I’ve loved every minute of it. I would like to thank all of the coaches I have had, especially my current coach, Tommy Cunningham, as well as my parents for all their sacrifices and support they have given me throughout all the years I have been swimming. Also, a special thanks to my teammates who continue to believe in me and push me past my limits. I am really looking forward to starting my new adventure with the Yellow Jackets!!!”

His best times include:

50 back – 23.20
100 back – 49.66
200 back – 1:45.38
200 IM – 1:54.45

Hayes will add valuable backstroke depth to Georgia Tech’s lineup when he arrives in Atlanta as a member of the class of 2024 and has continuously dropped time each season. Hayes would’ve swum in the C-final of the 200 back at the 2019 ACC Championships and will surely look to capitalize on his recent long course success heading into the upcoming short course season.

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