Special to the Independent
Area resident Michael Sheppard, a 2010 graduate of St. George’s Independent School, placed 29th in the 200 backstroke and 34th in the 100 backstroke at the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials in Omaha, Neb.
“It doesn’t surprise me that Michael has reached such a high level,” said JP Culley, associate head of Middle and Upper School at St. George’s. “At St. George’s he worked exceedingly hard in our vigorous college preparatory curriculum to meet high expectations set by his teachers.
“He even took multiple AP courses while balancing a demanding travel schedule for competitive swimming,” he continued. “He embodied the holistic approach of school and worked hard to prepare himself athletically for his next steps. We could not be more proud of him.”
St. George’s Swim Coach Rob Snowberger added: “Michael’s greatest attribute is his ability to race. When the starter whistle blows his whistle, he is at his very best!”
Sheppard will be a junior this fall at the University of Arizona. This year, he earned an All-American honorable mention honor with his 15th place finish in the 200 back.
He also posted a time of 1:41.51 in the 200 back to earn him a NCAA “A” cut and recorded personal bests in the 100 and 200 back at the Texas Invite.
He was on the 2009 and 2010 National Youth Team and last year Michael finished 7th at the NCAAs which earned him All-America status.
