Tigers Sign Letters

Bentonville Swimmers Announce College Choices

Lane Brand, seated left, and Gage Crosby, Bentonville swimmers, sign their national letters of intent with William Jewell College and Arizona, respectively, during Tuesday’s ceremony at the high school. Joining them for the occasion are their parents, from left, Leslie and Rodney Bland and Clayton and Monica Crosby.

Lane Brand, seated left, and Gage Crosby, Bentonville swimmers, sign their national letters of intent with William Jewell College and Arizona, respectively, during Tuesday’s ceremony at the high school. Joining them for the occasion are their parents, from left, Leslie and Rodney Bland and Clayton and Monica Crosby.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

— Gage Crosby found the best direction to continue his dream of competing in the Olympic Games. Lane Brand discovered a way to continue the sport he loves while embracing a small college atmosphere.

The two Bentonville swimmers took the next step toward their careers when they signed their letters of intent Tuesday morning. Crosby signed with national power Arizona, while Brand opted for William Jewell College in Liberty, Mo.

“That’s what it’s all about, giving them a chance to take things to the next level and get an education,” Bentonville swim coach Steve Duwel said. “What they will do with it is strictly up to them from here on out.”

Both played integral roles in Bentonville’s state championship in the spring. Crosby won the 100-yard butterfly and the 100 breaststroke, then was teammates with Brand on the winning 100 medley relay team.

Crosby chose Arizona over schools closer to home, such as Auburn, Tennessee and Virginia Tech. He will be reunited with good friend Ellis Miller of Siloam Springs, a member of the Wildcats’ swim team, but that wasn’t the main reason.

“It was definitely the coaching staff and the team,” Crosby said. “They finished fourth in the NCAAs last year with a one-year coach, and he’s going to destroy everyone in the next couple of years. We’re going to win.

“Then Kevin Cordes is the American record holder in the breast. I mean, I’m going to be swimming with talent, and there’s nothing more than be with them.”

Bland was fifth in the 200-yard IM and was on a team that finished fourth in 200 freestyle relay, as well as being teammates with Crosby on the 100 medley relay. He chose William Jewell over Niagara University, New York University and Wynwood University.

“It’s got the small college atmosphere, but it’s only 15 minutes from Kansas City,” Bland said. “They have a good coaching staff there, and I’m looking to get really good in the next few years.

“I feel like I could walk in there next season and be on the relay teams, and make an impact on the team.”