Dec. 13, 2012
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina swimming and diving program signed nine student-athletes during the early signing period, head coach McGee Moody announced Thursday.
The Gamecocks inked swimmers Joshua Clothier (Frisco, Texas), Robert Gilchrist (Toronto, Ontario), Samuel Lynch (Ocean Township, N.J.) and Evan Mahoney (Bayville, N.J.) and diver Jordan Gotro (El Dorado Hills, Calif.) to the men’s team.
On the women’s side, Megan Carlson (Xenia, Ohio), Elizabeth Maltby (Midlothian, Va.), Caroline Petrone (Brielle, N.J.) and Taylor Vincent (Woodbridge, Va.) signed to swim for the Gamecocks.
“We are very pleased with the class we have signed during the fall signing period,” Moody said. “The men will have more top end point scorers, and with the women we have addressed some depth issues in certain events. We will continue to work through the spring to put together the strongest class possible.”
South Carolina Swimming & Diving Early Signing Class
Men
Joshua Clothier – Frisco, Texas/Hebron HS Event(s): Sprint Freestyle
Moody on Clothier: “Josh is a 6’4″ sprinter from Texas. He has the tools to be a SEC finalist and will add depth to our sprint group. We expect him to challenge for a spot on our sprint relays immediately.”
Robert Gilchrist – Toronto, Ontario/All Saints HS
Event(s): Freestyle
Moody on Gilchrist: “Robert is a silver medalist for Canada at the Junior Pan-Pacific Championships this past summer in Hawaii. He is a great middle distance specialist that will join one of the best middle distance groups in the SEC. We expect Robert to make an immediate impact in the SEC and NCAA Championships.”
Jordan Gotro – El Dorado Hills, Calif./Oak Ridge HS
Event(s): Diving (Finished third on the platform, eighth on the three-meter and eighth on the one-meter at the 2012 Greensboro Nationals…Competed at the Junior National Diving Championships…Received 2012 All-America Diving Award…Placed second at the high school section finals…Took sixth on the platform and 23rd on the one-meter at the 2012 West Nationals…2012 Region 10 Spring National Qualifier…2011 USA Diving Age Group Nationals Qualifier…Finished fourth at the 2011 high school sections.)
Gamecock diving coach Todd Sherritt on Gotro: “We are excited about Jordon coming to South Carolina. He will certainly add more depth to our program. I would consider him a diamond in the ruff, but he should break through into the Senior National scene this year. He comes to us with a strong tower background and will score some serious points at our conference and the NCAA.”
Samuel Lynch – Ocean Township, N.J./Ocean Township HS
Event(s): Backstroke, Butterfly
Moody on Lynch: “Sam is one of the best backstroke/butterfly specialists in this year’s class. He is going to bring good speed to our stroke events and has the potential to earn a spot on some relays as a freshman.”
Evan Mahoney – Bayville, N.J./Central Regional HS
Event(s): Breaststroke, Sprint Freestyle
Moody on Mahoney: “Evan is a very talented breaststroker who has very good speed. He believes his speed will make him an option for our medley relays. He has a lot of natural ability, and we believe his best racing is ahead of him.”
Women
Megan Carlson – Xenia, Ohio/Xenia HS
Event(s): Individual Medley, Backstroke
Moody on Carlson: “Megan is a part of a very strong senior class from the Dayton Raiders program. She competed this past summer at the U.S. Olympic Trials in the 400 IM and the 200 backstroke. Her personality is a perfect fit for our women’s team. We are very lucky to have Megan joining our program.”
Elizabeth Maltby – Midlothian, Va./James River HS
Event(s): Distance Freestyle
Moody on Maltby: “We will look for Elizabeth to soften the loss of Jordan Gibbs in our distance events. She will add depth and has the ability to score points in dual meets and at SEC’s. She continues to improve, and we look forward to watching her continue to develop.”
Caroline Petrone – Brielle, N.J./Manasquan HS
Event(s): Sprint Freestyle
Moody on Petrone: “Caroline is a tall sprinter that gives us a freshman with true speed. She does not have a big swimming training background that in many cases can be a very big positive. She has a huge upside and has the tools to be a great sprinter for our program.”
Taylor Vincent – Woodbridge, Va./Woodbridge HS
Event(s): Sprint Freestyle
Moody on Vincent: “Taylor is another young lady that we feel is going to strengthen our sprint program. This was a priority for this class to help us improve our relays. Taylor will help us fill this role.”
