Ankeny boys’ swimming standout Finn Stukerjurgen has verbally committed to Whitman College, an NCAA Division III program in Walla Walla, Wash.
Stukerjurgen, a senior, said he looked at several other schools before making his decision.
“Whitman definitely stood out due to its high quality academics and the supportive culture,” said Stukerjurgen. “Academics were by far the No. 1 priority for me when choosing a school, and I think Whitman’s small size will lend itself well to my learning style.”
Stukerjurgen was also impressed by Whitman’s swimming program.
“I have a club coach who is from Washington and encouraged me to look into Whitman,” he said. “The first time I talked to coach Jenn Blomme on the phone, I knew the program she runs would fit my personality very well. That was definitely reinforced with the time I spent on campus in September when I got to meet the team.”
Stukerjurgen helped Ankeny to a tie for 13th place in the state meet on Friday and Saturday at Iowa City. He scored points in all four of his events.
Stukerjurgen provided the Hawks’ highest finish in the 100 backstroke, placing eighth in that event in 53.22 seconds. He took 10th in the 200 individual medley in a time of 1:56.42.
Stukerjurgen also swam on Ankeny’s 11th-place 200 medley and 10th-place 400 freestyle relays.