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Men's swimming adds 2 transfers

PostPosted: Mon Jan 08, 2024 3:08 pm
by PonyPride
According to swimswam.com, SMU has added former SEC champion and four-time NCAA qualifier Danny Kovac (Missouri) and 2022 World Juniors medalist Laszlo Galicz as transfers.

Kovac's best times (yards):
50 free – 19.55
100 free – 42.72
200 free – 1:36.73
100 back – 48.30 (dual meet)
200 back – 1:49.35 (high school)
100 breast – 52.73
200 breast – 1:58.78
100 fly – 44.66
200 fly – 1:40.78
200 IM – 1:41.35

https://swimswam.com/sec-champion-olymp ... -semester/

Galicz enjoyed his first major breakout at the 2022 World Junior Championships in Lima, Peru, where he took silver in the 1500 free (15:12.71) while also placing 4th in the 800 free (7:56.92). In 2023, he competed at the Hungarian National Championships, placing 3rd in the 800 free (8:01.42) and 4th in the 1500 free (15:21.41). He went on to the European U-23 Championships in August, placing 6th in both the 800 free (8:03.44) and 1500 free (15:07.15), the latter in a new lifetime best.

Galicz' best LCM Times (Converted to SCY)
1500 free – 15:07.15 (14:49.36 1650 free)
800 free – 7:56.92 (8:54.36 1000 free)
400 free – 3:56.32 (4:24.78 500 free)

https://swimswam.com/2022-world-juniors ... -for-2024/

Re: Men's swimming adds 2 transfers

PostPosted: Mon Jan 08, 2024 3:30 pm
by PonyPride
Now, if we can get Water Pony and ponyswim to offer the proper context of what I just posted.

Are these additions as big a deal as they appear to be?

Re: Men's swimming adds 2 transfers

PostPosted: Mon Jan 08, 2024 5:40 pm
by Water Pony
I like both additions.

Danny Kovac appears to be strong across many disciplines and distances. Looks like a Swiss Army knife in terms of multiple skills and his times are very competitive. Having him here when we join the ACC, the nation' strongest collegiate swimming conference, next year will be timely.

Laszlo Galicz will have lots of upside. He is young and will benefit from the quality of our training and coaching. He could be a long-term performer for our team which is making steady and impressive improvement.

Next year will be exciting and humbling in terms of the competitive pool we will be swimming & diving in. :lol:

Re: Men's swimming adds 2 transfers

PostPosted: Mon Jan 08, 2024 10:47 pm
by Hilltopper
From that article:

Danny Kovac, who swam for SMU head coach Greg Rhodenbaugh in his previous job as the head coach at Missouri, has been added to the Mustangs’ roster and is expected to use his final season of eligibility this semester.


I like your version better.

Re: Men's swimming adds 2 transfers

PostPosted: Wed Jan 10, 2024 3:57 pm
by ponyswim
Danny gives them help in 4 of the 5 relay events. Hopefully enough help to get those relays to the NCAA championship and score points in those relays. He is also a top 8 scorer at NCAA's in the 100 fly in the past.. So, he will just be here a semester but will have a big impact - we hope!
Laci is one of the better young male distance swimmers in the World. He will be a freshman this August. The biggest question with him is whether he can be helpful in any races shorter than the 1650 in the college world. He is from Hungary where they tend to train a LOT, so it will fun to watch him develop over his career at SMU.