The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

ANOTHER elite Bahamian swimmer at the junior national level has agreed to further his athletic and academic career with a major NCAA Division I programme.

Izaak Bastian announced his verbal commitment to join the Florida State Seminoles for the Fall 2018 season.

The 16-year-old is currently in his senior year at St Andrew's School in Boca Raton, Florida, and recently made his announcement to Swimswam.com.

"I chose Florida State University because when I went on my official visit I loved the way the team interacted with each other in and out of the pool. The coaches were also very involved at practice and were friendly.

"I have really flourished training with coach Stephen 'Sid' Cassidy and believe that the coaches at Florida State University will continue to push me to the next level," he said.

"I would also just like to thank everyone that has helped me get where I am today and all my friends and family who continue to support me. Especially my brothers, Drew and Nnhyn, my parents and teammates. My family has supported and continue to support me every step of the way and I truly appreciate what they have done to help me get where I am. I wouldn't be able to do the early morning and late night workouts without them. My family and I are excited to join the FSU family. Go Noles!"

Bastian has competed consistently on Bahamian junior national teams for the past five years. Most recently, he delivered an historic performance for the island nation at the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games where he won a silver medal in the 50m breaststroke and bronze in the 100m breaststroke. He told Swimswam how his experiences on the national teams with his school team at St Andrew's have prepared him for the next level.

"I have been able to represent The Bahamas from when I was 11 years old and have been a part of it ever since. With the Bahamas national team, I have gone to the CARIFTA Games, CCCAN CISC and The Commonwealth Youth Games," he said. "I am looking forward to my state series meets with the Championship meet being on November 4. I also have my eye set on continuing to represent The Bahamas at more international meets in the upcoming years. I was also fortunate enough to represent my country at the FINA Junior World Championships this past summer in Indianapolis. With coach Sid I have been able to go to the Winter Junior Nationals here in the United States in 2015 and 2016."

In addition, last season, Bastian broke three school records en route to being named the 2016 All-Palm Beach Swimmer of the Year.