Area players decide their next move

Local athletes make their pick of schools official

After offers from Division I programs around the country, Snider swimmer Gabe Swardson found his perfect fit at West Virginia.

Swardson was able to solidify his decision in ink on Wednesday, the first day of the early signing period.

“It was kind of the perfect decision,” he said of West Virginia. “I got a few offers from a lot of colleges but West Virginia, I fell in love with right away. They offered me everything I wanted with the family atmosphere and the beautiful setting in the mountain. It was just perfect.”

Swardson turned down offers from Florida State, Missouri and Iowa to become a Mountaineer.

“It’s gorgeous. I’m so overly excited. I’m kind of tingling right now,” he said, laughing.

Signing provided a sense of relief as he can now concentrate on his final high school season and defending his state championship in the 100-yard butterfly.

“It takes a lot of pressure off performing for potential colleges,” he said, “and gives me a chance of focusing on the end goal, which is state this year.

“I’m looking to repeat my state title. It’ll be a good rivalry this year. I’m looking forward to getting back into competition.”

In February’s state championships, Swardson, the fourth seed, was in third place at the halfway point and came from behind to beat top seed Ryan Huizing of Carroll in a time of 49.14 seconds.

Huizing, who qualified for the U.S. Olympic Trials in the 100-meter butterfly, is signing Nov. 19  to attend Yale.

Swardson trains with Three Rivers Aquatic Club under swim coach Chris Knoblauch and has swum with Arlington Park in the summer since he was 6.

He’s also been able to participate in national-level meets while an underclassman which helped his development.

Panthers pitcher Chase Phelps signed with IPFW and is looking forward to playing alongside his brother, Brandon, for the Mastodons.

“All my life I’ve dreamt about being a Division I athlete,” he said, “and to play with my brother for the first time was something I’ve always wanted to do.”

Other big area signings included Columbia City basketball’s Brachen Hazen signing to Central Florida.

Hazen, a 6-foot-8 205-pound forward, also received offers from Bradley, Maryland, Creighton, St. Joseph’s, Utah State, Ball State, Illinois State, IUPUI and Valparaiso.

Carroll’s Kyle Mallers signed with Ball State. Mallers also received offers from Indiana State, Evansville, Ole Miss, Toledo, Akron, Kent State and Central Michigan.