May 22, 2007
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - University of Maryland swimming and diving will welcome Chris Bagley (West Bloomfield, Mich.), Mitch Challacombe (New Albany, Ohio), and Kirk Jackson (Poolesville, Md.) for the 2007-08 season. The athletes have each signed National Letters of Intent committing to Maryland for the fall of 2007.
Chris Bagley
Chris Bagley (West Bloomfield, Mich.) is a nine-time All-American and in his senior year, won two individual state titles and a team state championship. He is a member of the National Honors Society and will graduate from Brother Rice High School.
Bagley currently swims for the Bulldog Aquatic Club in the 50-yard freestyle (best time 21.05), 100 free (best time 46.07), 200 free (best time 1:41.66), 100 butterfly (best time 50.67), and 200 individual medley (best time 1:53.64).
On coming to Maryland Bagley says, "I chose Maryland because of Coach Durden's enthusiasm and the positive direction that the team is headed. I'm really excited to play an important role on an up-and-coming team. Also, Maryland has an excellent Journalism program."
Coach Durden on Bagley: "Chris's personality and swimming accomplishments are a perfect match for our program. I love that Chris led his team to a state title in his senior year. His humbleness and his desire to be a great swimmer is infectious. We cannot wait to have him here at Maryland in the fall."
Mitch Challacombe
Mitch Challacombe (New Albany, Ohio) is a nine-time All-American, 11-time state finalist and two-time district champion. He will graduate from New Albany High School with honors and in the top 15 percent of his class.
Challacombe currently swims for New Albany Aquatics Club and is coached by Brad Burget. He swims the 50-yard backstroke (best time 23.66), 100 back (best time 50.47), 50 freestyle (best time 21.47), 100 free (best time 46.14), and 200 individual medley (best time 1:53.44).
Concerning his decision to come to Maryland, Challacombe says, "On my visit, I just started to feel like Maryland was a place where I would really enjoy myself. I feel like I fit in with the team. The coaches are great and seem easy to get along with, and our training regimen will most definitely work for me."
Coach Durden on Challacombe: "Mitch made tremendous advances as an athlete in his senior year. We like his versatility and his demeanor. He will add to our environment here at Maryland immediately. We look forward to watching his continued advancement this summer as he get ready to join us in the fall."
Kirk Jackson
Kirk Jackson (Poolsville, Md.) broke the Washington Metropolitan Championship record for the 200-yard freestyle in 2007 with a time of 1:40.55. Jackson was a member of the first-place 400 medley relay team at the 2007 Junior National Championships. At Poolesville High School, he was an MVP for three years and is the record holder in all of the swimming events. In addition, he is the record holder in the 200 free for Montgomery County Public Schools (1:40.55). Jackson was also awarded honor roll and scholar athlete all four years in high school.
Currently, Jackson swims for Rockville Montgomery Swim Club and set the club record in the 200 free. Jackson swims the 50 free (best time 21.78), 100 free (best time 47.25), 200 free (best time 1:40.55)
On choosing Maryland, Jackson says, "Maryland is home and there is nothing better than competing for your home team. I like where the coaches are taking the team and I think swimming under them is going to be a great experience. I can't wait to make a contribution to the Terps."
Coach Durden on Jackson: "Kirk grew up loving Maryland and that passion for our school is something that you just can't coach. Coming from Jim Williams' group at Rockville-Montgomery, Kirk has been given the tools to have a fantastic collegiate career. His versatility through the freestyle events into the fly events is something that we look forward to working with."
