BYU Lands Top Swimming Recruiting Class

PROVO -- With the early signing period now complete, the BYU men's swim team has landed one of its most successful recruiting classes in recent memory for the 2000-2001 season.

At the top of the list is breaststroker Nick Tobler, considered by many to be one of the top five recruits in America. A Tempe, Ariz., native, Tobler was a Junior National Champion at the age of 15 and was an All-American and state champion all three years of high school. Tobler has made the Olympic trial cuts in both the 100 and 200 breaststroke events and was invited to the U.S. Olympic Development Camp. He also represented the U.S. in England as part of the Junior National team and competed in two World Cup meets in Australia.

"Nick already has NCAA qualifying times in the 100 and 200 breaststroke, which only about six kids his age accomplish in any given year," BYU men's coach Tim Powers said. "He was recruited by virtually every top program in America."

BYU also received a commitment from Arizona's other top high school swimmer, David Larsen. Larsen hails from Mesa, and was an All-American each year of high school as well. Larsen is a state champion in both the 50 and 100 free and was the 1998 Arizona Swimmer of the Year. Larsen was also heavily recruited by several top schools, including Utah, Arizona State, Arizona and Alabama.

Joining Tobler and Larsen is Utah's top breaststroke recruit, Christian Armstrong. Armstrong, a Timpview student from Provo swims the 500 free in addition to his breaststroke events.

BYU will also benefit from two transfer students who have committed to swim for the Cougars next season. Mike Mullin is coming to Provo from Arizona State, where he was an All-American his freshman year. Mullin will transfer to BYU next semester and redshirt the remainder of the season, giving him three full years of eligibility beginning next season with the Cougars. Also transferring to BYU next fall is Chris Johnston, a standout backstroker from defending national champion Auburn University. Johnston is currently serving an LDS mission in Milan and will return next fall.