Freedom High School senior and PIAA State Swimming Champion, Peter Conzola, signed a National Letter of Intent on Nov. 13 to attend Virginia Tech.

Conzola is a four-year varsity letter winner and defending Class AAA state champ in the 100 backstroke, having clinched a gold medal with a time of 48.80 last season.

Conzola was recruited by Virginia Tech, and regarding his college selection, Conzola said, "It wasn't as hard as I thought it was going to be [even though] I never had a clear favorite."

The Patriot senior was also recruited by University of North Carolina, North Carolina State, and Indiana University.

"A lot of things stood out [about Virginia Tech]. The coaches were one of the biggest things that influenced my decision," said Conzola.

Head coach Ned Skinner is currently in his 16th year at Virginia Tech.

"His personality and my personality go well together, and I think that will contribute to my success. We have the same goals, to win an ACC championship, and they're well on their way to getting there," Conzola said.

Last season, the men's swimming team finished in second place in the Atlantic Coast Conference. At the ACC Championships, the men won 15 medals and broke 15 school records.

Conzola is expecting to swim the 100 backstroke, the 200 backstroke, and the 100 butterfly for the H2Okies next year.

"The more and more I thought about Virginia Tech, the more sense it made to go there. It was a big sense of relief. It had definitely been on my mind a lot, so it was a good feeling," said Conzola.

As Conzola's final high school swimming season approaches, the Patriot senior is looking forward to his senior year in the Freedom High School Natatorium.

"I hope my senior season will definitely be my most fun season. I'm looking forward to seeing all my hard work from the last three years pay off, leading the team, and hopefully winning districts and sending a lot of kids to states," he said.