Thomas “Hutch” Blackstone was joined Wednesday by his parents, Hutch and Lisa Blackstone, brother Chase and former longtime Senior High swimming coach Frank Bartholow.
If there were a direct water route from Mansfield to Oxford, Ohio, Thomas “Hutch” Blackstone probably would swim to Miami University.
The prolific record-holder at Mansfield Senior High School will swim for the NCAA Division 1 Miami Redhawks next year. He signed a letter of intent Wednesday to attend the university on scholarship assistance that rewards both his athletic and academic achievements.
“Hutch has done many things here at Mansfield Senior High School. He has been a swimmer and has played football, soccer and tennis,” athletic director Laurie Romano said at the signing ceremony.
“He is also an outstanding student. He is our valedictorian,” added principal Brad Callender.
“Thank you, everyone, for your support,” Blackstone said after signing his letter.
An Academic All-American swimmer, Blackstone ranks first in the Class of 2014. He has earned Academic All-Ohio honors in swimming, soccer and football. As a sophomore he scored a perfect 545 on the math portion of the Ohio Graduation Test.
“Hutch is one more example of the outstanding student athletes who have achieved success at Mansfield Senior High School. I know he will be successful, academically and athletically, at Miami University,” Superintendent Brian Garverick said.
The holder of numerous state and Ohio Cardinal Conference honors in swimming, soccer and football, Blackstone scored the most points among all kickers statewide during the 2013 football season. He converted 11 of 14 field goal attempts and 55 of 57 extra-point tries for a total of 88 points.
At Miami, Blackstone’s only sport will be swimming.
“I’m done kicking,” he told writer Curt Conrad of Richland Source. “One sport at the college level is going to be more than enough.”
Blackstone’s swimming records at Senior High include:
21.03 -- 50-yard freestyle
55.85 -- 100-yard breaststroke
47.66 -- 100-yard freestyle
132.33 -- 200-yard freestyle relay