UBAM hires former Buckeye standout Michael Tomes

The UB Amherst swim club (UBAM) has again strengthened its coaching staff by hiring former Ohio State Buckeye standout Michael Tomes.

Coach Tomes will be UBAM's lead junior and assistant senior group coach. "We are excited to add an individual on to our staff who has such an impressive swimming background," said UBAM head coach Flynn Burroughs. "Swimming is in his blood. He makes our club instantly better and I am looking forward to working with him."

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Tomes started swimming competitively at age 5 for the M.E. Lyons YMCA Anderson Barracudas. Tomes attended Anderson High School in Cincinnati where he was a state qualifier all four years and state finalist three years in a row. While in high school with the Barracudas, Tomes helped lead the team to four straight men's team YMCA national titles.

Tomes received a scholarship to the University of Evansville and was elected most valuable swimmer his first two seasons. He transferred to Ohio State University and in his senior season, was a finalist in the 500- and 200-yard freestyle at the Big Ten Championships. He finished his career third all-time in Buckeye history in the 500 free (4:25.5) and sixth all-time in the 200 free (1:37.7).

Tomes' twin brother, Martin, also swam for Ohio State and now coaches at Friends Aquatic Club in Philadelphia, Pa. He has three sisters, an older sister, Emily, who swam for the University of Evansville, and two younger sisters, Megan and Laura, who swim for the University of Tennessee.

Tomes first started coaching while in high school over the summers for a Coldstream Country Club. After retiring from swimming, he coached at Terrace Park

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