NEW COMMIT: Olympic Trials qualifier Zach Ward of Delaware, Ohio, has announced his verbal commitment to Wisconsin beginning in the fall of 2022.
He will join Michael Long of Elmbrook, Wis. as a member of the Badgers’ Class of 2026.
Regarding his commitment, he said:
“I am excited to announce my verbal commitment to the University of Wisconsin–Madison for 2022. Thank you to my coach and parents for helping me make this important decision. I have loved talking to Coach Yuri and his coaching staff and hearing their enthusiasm, experience, and passion for the sport of swimming. From the first time I talked to them, I really felt like they had the resources, knowledge, and willingness to help me accomplish my goals and dreams in swimming and academics. Can’t wait to become a Badger!”
A versatile swimmer, Ward trains year-round with Buckeye Swim Club and most recently finished ninth in the 200m fly at Wave I of the U.S. Olympic Trials. He won the 400 IM with four other top-5 finishes at the 18&U Winter Championships – Oxford and picked up two lifetime bests at the Toyota U.S. Open.
His best times include:
- 400 IM – 3:51.61
- 200 IM – 1:48.82
- 200 fly – 1:47.75
- 100 fly – 49.70
- 1650 free – 15:32.65
- 500 free – 4:27.87
- 200 free – 1:38.37
- 100 free – 45.77
A rising senior at Rutherford B. Hayes High School, Ward is a USA Swimming Scholastic All-American.
When he arrives in Madison, he will add his talents to a training group led by Drew Nixdorf, Jake Newmark, Jude Williams, and Jack Leuthold. Under head coach Yuri Suguiyama, the Badgers finished fifth at the 2021 Big Ten Championships.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.