{"id":447123,"date":"2020-09-21T09:31:14","date_gmt":"2020-09-21T16:31:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/?p=447123"},"modified":"2020-09-21T09:31:14","modified_gmt":"2020-09-21T16:31:14","slug":"two-time-arizona-state-champion-essias-smith-stays-local-verbals-to-sun-devils-for-2021","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/two-time-arizona-state-champion-essias-smith-stays-local-verbals-to-sun-devils-for-2021\/","title":{"rendered":"Two-Time Arizona State Champion Essias Smith Stays Local, Verbals to Sun Devils for 2021"},"content":{"rendered":"

NEW COMMIT:\u00a0<\/strong>Arizona State University has added a new addition to their Class of 2025 from in-state standout and U.S. Ope qualifier\u00a0Essias Smith\u00a0<\/strong>of Mesa, Az.<\/p>\n

He will join Leon Marchand<\/strong><\/a>,\u00a0Christian Osterndorf<\/b><\/a>,\u00a0Jeremy Graunke<\/b><\/a>,\u00a0<\/b>Ethan Hansen<\/b><\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Emilio \u201cLio\u201d Perez<\/b><\/a> in Tempe at the start of the 2021-22 season.<\/p>\n

Regarding his commitment, he said:<\/p>\n

“I am excited to announce my verbal commitment to further my academic and athletic career at Arizona State University. I\u2019d like to thank my family, friends and coaches for supporting me throughout this long journey. Also I\u2019d like to thank Coach Bowman and Coach Behm for this special opportunity to swim at ASU! Go Devils?!!!”<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

A talented freestyler and butterflyer, Smith swims year-round with Mesa Aquatics Club and most recently flew to fifth place in the 100m fly at Plantation Sectionals in March. He raced the 100\/200 fly at Juniors West in December – notching a best time in the latter – and scored silver in those events at Arizona Seniors in February.<\/p>\n

Last summer, he had a strong showing at Mount Hood Sectionals where he achieved six new lifetime bests and had swam to bronze medals in both the 100m and 200m fly.<\/p>\n

His best times include:<\/p>\n