Eric Ring, a senior from Pope John Paul II, is heading to Drury University to continue his swimming career, following in the footsteps of his father, Eddie, an All-American swimmer at LSU. He played a crucial role in the Jaguars' six consecutive Division IV state titles, recently earning All-America consideration and Most Outstanding Swimmer honors. After visiting several colleges, Ring chose Drury for its storied program and impressive coaching staff. With the pressure of college decisions weighing on him, signing with Drury on April 29 brings him relief and excitement as he aims to excel in middle-distance and distance freestyle events.

By the Numbers
  • Eric Ring won the 200-yard freestyle at the Division IV state meet with a time of 1:39.41.
  • He finished first in the 500 freestyle with a time of 4:34.35 and contributed to winning relay teams.
Yes, But

While Ring is thrilled about his choice, he faced the stress of late decisions typical among recruits, potentially impacting his options. This highlights the competitive nature of college recruitment in swimming.

State of Play
  • Ring's decision marks a significant milestone for his swimming journey after a successful high school career.
  • Drury University prides itself on being a leading program in Division II swimming with a rich legacy of national championships.
What's Next

As Ring transitions to college swimming, he will focus on middle-distance and distance freestyle events, aiming to further develop his skills and compete at a higher level.

Bottom Line

Eric Ring's commitment to Drury University not only reflects his swimming pedigree but also signifies a promising future as he embraces the challenges ahead in collegiate swimming.