STUART SWIMS TO LSU:

SENIOR

CONTINUES HIS SWIMMING CAREER BY SIGNING WITH THE LSU TIGERS

As the end of the first semester comes to a close for the 20212022 school year, senior Stuart Higdon extends his swimming career by signing to Louisiana State University (LSU). Originally, Higdon verbally committed to LSU his junior year at the beginning of November in 2020. Higdon kept his word and signed to the school in the Webster Gym at 10:30 a.m on Dec. 2. Friends, fellow students, teammates, swimmers, coaches and family all gathered to celebrate and watch Higdon sign.

The amount of progress and dedication Higdon has shown in his career is the main reason why he went to the next level by swimming in college. LSU is a Division 1 school located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

“Stuart’s hard work plays a bigger role than his talent,” Maclay

Swim Coach Pavel Sankovich said. “I think he [is] only lightly tapped into his potential as a swimmer and there are improvements. He is a very positive individual to be around; hard worker [in and out] the pool. There’s no doubt he leads with an example.”

Higdon swims for Maclay school as well as Tallahassee Aquatic Club (TAC). Early on in his career in 2016, Higdon’s 500 yard free time was 5:29.99, but this past year his best time was 4:24.81. With his dedication, Higdon cut off over a minute in his main event. Another major improvement was Higdon’s 200 yard free. In 2016 his time was 2:03.32, and this year it was 1:36.91.

“I chose LSU for the atmosphere of the campus and the culture,” Higdon said. “I also chose that school because their swim program is getting a lot better and will soon be competitive in the SEC. I look forward to game day in Death Valley the most and just experiencing college.”

Another major accomplishment Higdon made was in the 20212022 swim season for Maclay. He finished first and won the Florida state championship swim meet. He also finished third in the 200 yard free. The year before, he finished fourth in the 500 yard free and fifth+ in the 200 yard free.

“He works super hard in the pool and always stays focused on swimming,” swim teammate Duel Yearty said. “He’s always got my back. He’s just a good ole boy, respectful and understanding of stuff.”

BY RJ HOSAY