By Casey Murphy on SwimSwam
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Backstroke specialist Jack O’Shaughnessy is headed to the University of California-San Diego this fall to continue his academic career and swim for the Tritons. O’Shaughnessy, who trains with Alpha Aquatics, recently graduated from Bishop Montgomery High School in California.
“I’m super excited to announce my verbal commitment to UC San Diego where I will be able to pursue my academic and athletic career. A special thank you to my coaches, friends and family who helped me along the way. GO TRITONS!!!”
In 2023, O’Shaughnessy was a CIF-SS Division III Champion (SCY) in the 100 back after posting a personal best time of 49.41. The next closest swimmer, Jaiden Monroe from Rio Mesa High School, finished 2nd in 51.56. O’Shaughnessy also earned a personal best of 50.24 in the 100 fly, placing 2nd overall.
In the same year, he was a finalist at the CIF State Championship (SCY) where he dropped his 100 back time to 49.08. O’Shaughnessy was also a finalist at the Futures Championship in Sacramento in the LCM 100 back (57.50) and at the Speedo Winter Junior Championship (West) in the SCY 200 back (1:46.36), placing 3rd and 7th respectively.
O’Shaughnessy has continued his success into 2024 by earning another championship title at the CIF-SS Division III Championships, winning the 200 IM with a time of 1:50.57 and placing 2nd in the 100 back (48.85). At the CIF State Championship, he placed 6th in the 100 back with a time of 48.69.
Top LCM and SCY Times
| LCM | SCY |
| 50 Back – 27.37 | 23.22 |
| 100 Back – 57.50 | 48.61 |
| 200 Back – 2:06.98 | 1:45.79 |
O’Shaughnessy would have ranked 3rd last season in both the 100 back and 200 back at UC San Diego. His time of 48.61 in the 100 back would have placed him behind junior Nathan Lee (48.52) and sophomore Luigi Perez Franco (48.17). In the 200 back, his time of 1:45.79 would have ranked him behind sophomore Robby Griswold (1:45.44) and Franco (1:44.59).
His performances in both events would have also secured him the 5th fastest times in program history. O’Shaughnessy’s best times in these events would have earned him a spot in the ‘A’ final at the MPSF Championship. The men’s team achieved an overall 5th place finish at the Championship, matching their result from the previous season.
O’Shaughnessy will join Jacob Cairns, Bekzhan Yessengeldy, Filip Kurial, Aiden Griffith, Hunter Cehelnik, and Jacob Wang as a part of the UC San Diego recruiting class of 2024. All of them are from California. Cehelnik’s time of 49.66 in the 100 back could also strengthen the backstroke group.
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Read the full story on SwimSwam: UC San Diego Gains CA State Championship Finalist Jack O’Shaughnessy (2024)