Epiphany's Charlie Jones heading to Wisconsin for swimming future
The best relationships in life are the ones that feel mutual – the type of connection where both sides provide the affection and support each desire.
That is the feeling Epiphany School senior Charlie Jones got when he first stepped foot on campus at the University of Wisconsin.
“When I first got to Madison and I got out of the car, I took a seat and saw the downtown area … I was hooked,” Jones said. “I was able to get a chance to see all of the amazing facilities while also meeting the guys and coaches on the team. After that, I was like, ‘Sign me up,’.”
Although Wisconsin ended up being love at first sight for Jones, the Badgers were not always at the top of his list. Heck, the university was not even on his radar.
“Coming into the recruiting process, I really had no idea where I wanted to go,” Jones said. “You’ll have schools reach out to you that you had no idea would be interested … Wisconsin was one of those schools.”
Being nearly 1,000 miles from home made the thought of going there a little uncertain but, after careful consideration -- and, of course, a talk with mom and dad -- Jones made his decision.
Improving as a swimmer and becoming more independent are goals Jones looks forward to achieving during his next four years with the Wisconsin program.
“I definitely think swimming in college is going to help me as an athlete and as a person,” Jones said. “Balancing that life of being a student-athlete (away from home) will benefit me going forward.”
Jones will head back to the Midwest this fall hopes to embody the positive attitude and hard work ethic required to succeed at the Division I level.
“I hope to have a quick impact on the Wisconsin swim team,” Jones said. “I know what kind of athletes (coach Yuri Suguiyama) likes coaching and I really think I can give them another one of those athletes who just helps the team.”
This article originally appeared on Sun Journal: Why New Bern's Charlie Jones picked Wisconsin for swimming future
