Penn Quakers Pick Up Verbals from Alan Cherches, Nick Grulke for 2022-23 Season

Photo Courtesy: Alan Cherches, Nick Grulke

NEW COMMITS: The University of Pennsylvania has received a pair of new verbal commitments* for the 2022-23 season and beyond from Owings Mills, Md. native Alan Cherches and Nick Grulke of Irvine, Calif.

Both talented swimmers will join Alex Fu of Sugar Land, Texas, as a member of the Quakers’ Class of 2026.

ALAN CHERCHES

Photo Courtesy: Alan Cherches

Regarding his commitment, he said:

“I am extremely excited and honored to announce my verbal commitment to the application process at the University of Pennsylvania and the opportunity to study at its world-renowned Wharton School! I want to thank my family, coaches, teammates, and friends who have supported me along this journey. GO QUAKERS!!”

Cherches, who trains year-round with Eagle Swim Team, has broken a total of 30 Maryland state records and has been named Maryland Swimmer of the Year nine times. He most recently earned eight best times at the ISCA International Senior Cup where he posted five top-8 finishes.

His best times include:

50 free – 20.96
100 free – 46.34
200 free – 1:41.94
100 breast – 56.03
100 back – 50.92
100 fly – 50.58
200 IM – 1:52.49
400 IM – 4:05.60

Currently a junior at McDonogh School, Cherches is a five-time Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association gold medallist. He won the 50 free and placed fourth in the 100 free as a sophomore, also anchoring the 4×50 free relay and the MIAA record-setting 4×50 medley relay.

NICK GRULKE

Photo Courtesy: Nicholas Grulke

He told Swimming World:

“I am beyond stoked to announce my verbal commitment to swim and study at the University of Pennsylvania! I’d like to thank my family, friends, and coaches who were there for the ride. Go Quakers!”

Grulke does his club swimming with Mission Viejo Nadadores and earned a pair of lifetime bests at the Toyota U.S. Open in November after taking 16th in the 800m free at College Station Sectionals last February. In Summer 2019, he won the 200m fly at the MVN Junior Olympics before going on to race four events at Mount Hood Futures.

His best times include:

100 free – 48.07
200 free – 1:40.20
500 free – 4:29.30
1000 free – 9:29.22
1650 free – 16:01.47
200 fly – 1:49.57

Also competing for Arnold Beckman High School, Grulke finaled in the 500 free at the CIF DI Southern Section Championships during his freshman season. He has also earned USA Swimming Scholastic All-American honors for his efforts in the pool and in the classroom.

*IVY LEAGUE DISCLAIMER:* A “verbal commitment” does not guarantee admission. An Ivy League coach cannot guarantee admission but can only commit support in the admissions process.

If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.

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