USC Trojans Nab Verbal Commitments from In-State Standouts Mason Morris, Chris O’Grady

Photo Courtesy: Mason Morris / Chris O'Grady

NEW COMMITS: The University of Southern California has picked up a pair of in-state verbal commitments for the fall of 2021 from Del Mar native Mason Morris and Chris O’Grady of La Canada.

Both talented swimmers will join fellow in-state standout Kevin Sichak in Los Angeles as a member of the Trojans’ class of 2025.

MASON MORRIS

Photo Courtesy: Mason Morris Instagram (@masonmyboy)

Regarding his commitment, he said:

“Absolutely psyched to announce my commitment to swim and study at the University of Southern California! This is no doubt the best place for me. I have a super special appreciation for coach Joe Benjamin, my friend Mia, and my lovely parents for always challenging and pushing me. I cannot wait to keep my tan with the Trojan Family!❤️✌️#FightOn!”

A Junior National qualifier, Morris does his club swimming with Rancho San Dieguito and most recently placed ninth in the 200 fly at Carlsbad Sectionals. He finaled in the 200 fly at Juniors West in December and finished eighth in the 100m fly and 16th in the 200m fly at Mount Hood Futures.

His best times include:

100 fly – 48.95
200 fly – 1:47.47
50 free – 21.06
100 free – 46.46
200 free – 1:41.29
500 free – 4:35.47

Also competing for Bishops High School, Morris raced the 100 fly at the CIF State Championships as a sophomore. The USA Swimming Scholastic All-American also placed fourth in the 100 fly and fifth in the 500 free at the CIF San Diego Section 2 Championships during his rookie campaign.

CHRIS O’GRADY

Photo Courtesy: Chris O’Grady via CollegeSwimming

Regarding his commitment, he said:

“I am grateful and excited to announce my commitment to swim and study at The University of Southern California. Thank you to my incredible coach at Rose Bowl, Jeff Julian, who has helped me become a better swimmer and teammate. Many thanks to my family, friends, and teammates. I am looking forward to being a Trojan. Fight on✌️”

Also a Junior National qualifier, O’Grady swims year-round with Rose Bowl Aquatics and notched a best time at Carlsbad Sectionals while having a strong showing at Juniors West. Last summer, he raced three events at Junior Nationals.

His best times include:

100 free – 46.75
200 free – 1:39.75
500 free – 4:36.83
100 breast – 56.97
200 breast – 2:02.41
200 IM – 1:50.64

A rising senior at La Canada High School, O’Grady raced the 100 breast at the CIF State Championships during his sophomore season after placing fourth in that event at the Southern DII Section meet.

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

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Miriam Khatib

3 years ago

Congrats Chris!! Best of luck.

Kelli Lesniczak Humphrey

3 years ago

Congratulations Chris!

Megan Sherlock

3 years ago

Wow…congratulations Chris!