Springdale Swimming Standout Commits to Louisville

Traditionally, Olympic sports aren’t very popular at the high school level. Track, swim and dive, and cross country are no exception to this rule at Springdale High.

A recent wave of individual talent, though, has begun to change the feeling toward these sports. Trevor Peacock (Class of 2010) is running track at Central Arkansas, Gabe Gonzalez (Class of 2011) is running track and cross country at Kansas, and Sarah Chewning (Class of 2011) is diving at Kentucky.

Senior swimmer Dexter Thomas continues the Red ‘Dog legacy in Olympic sports this year. Coming off a junior season in which he placed 2^nd at state in the 100 yard breaststroke and 200 yard freestyle, Thomas has already signed with Louisville.

“[It was] almost a relief from all of the stress of finding the right program and wondering where I’d end up,” Thomas said.

Of course, Thomas wasn’t just given a scholarship; he had a long journey leading up to earning it.

After seeing a flyer for the Razorback Aquatic Club in elementary school, he picked up the sport because “it sounded interesting.” However, it wasn’t until he qualified for Mega Zones in Indianapolis when he was 14 years old, that he realized he potentially had a future in it.

As a sophomore, Thomas finished 2^nd in the 100 yard breaststroke and 3^rd in the 200 yard freestyle at the state meet, earning All-Conference and All-State honors.

“I’m really glad all of my hard work paid off to get those honors,” Thomas said.

His two 2^nd place finishes at the state meet last year were good enough for him to repeat with All-Conference and All-State honors. Thomas continued swimming well throughout the summer, as well, qualifying for the Junior Nationals in Palo Alto, Calif.

“It felt amazing [to qualify], especially because I wasn’t expecting it. I had a rough summer with training outdoors in the intense heat and I thought I was going to have a bad [qualifying] meet,” Thomas said.

At Junior Nationals, Thomas swam the 100 and 200 meter breaststroke, and the 200 and 400 meter individual medley, improving his times in all but the 400 meter IM.

“It was a great experience, and certainly a humbling one. I may be one of the top swimmers in Arkansas, but there are so many incredibly fast swimmers around the nation,” Thomas said.

Once back in Springdale, he shifted his focus to the recruiting process. He took official visits to LSU, Missouri, and Missouri State, before finally settling on Louisville.

“I loved the coaching staff, facilities, and the atmosphere,” Thomas said. “I felt I would improve the most there and be able to contribute at the same time.”

Heading into his final high school season, Thomas hopes to finish on a high note by winning his first state championship and breaking the state record in the 200 yard individual medley.

“[I need to] keep working hard at practice, eat right, get my rest, and improve my mental toughness,” Thomas said.

Following his career at Springdale, he aspires to qualify for the NCAA Championships at Louisville and make the U.S. Olympic team.

He is also an outstanding student. On track to graduate with highest honors this spring, Thomas was named a Scholastic All-American by USA Swimming.

Written by iReporter Andrew Hutchinson 

Photo credits: Ryan Pruitt