Ryan set for big pool

McCallie School swimmer Sean Ryan signed scholarship papers Tuesday morning to continue his Olympic-track career at the University of Michigan.

Ryan ultimately picked the Wolverines over Southern California. He also made official visits to Florida, Georgia and Texas and an unofficial trip to Auburn.

"It's two great programs, but I liked the atmosphere of Michigan better (than at USC). I got along with the guys a little more," Ryan said.

The 6-foot-3, 150-pound Hixson resident won't turn 18 until August, but he's already had impressive national and international experience. He represented the United States in the 25-kilometer open-water swim at the World Championships in Italy this past summer and finished 11th, and he was in the Junior Worlds in 2008 and made the top-level U.S. Junior Team that competed in Guam in January.

"The trip to Rome was pretty incredible, and I really enjoyed my junior team experiences," Ryan said. "I got to represent my country and compete with the best."

The Scenic City Aquatic Club member was in the U.S. Olympic trials and the U.S. Open nationals in 2008, and he was honored as Southeastern Swimming swimmer of the year for 2008-09 after setting records in the 400- and 1500-meter and 1000- and 1650-yard freestyles.

"The two choices he came down to, USC and Michigan, both are committed to putting people in the Olympics," McCallie coach Stan Corcoran said. "He really hasn't had anyone who could push him. He'll get that, and they probably can put 25 pounds of muscle on him."