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He assured himself a much greater challenge Tuesday -- Bolgan signed a letter of intent to attend the University of Louisville next season and compete in the Big East Conference.
"I looked up the NCAA times and the guys there are just ridiculous," Bolgan said. "There's definitely going to be no shortage of competition. So, yeah, I think I found my challenge."
Bolgan won't know until he arrives at Louisville exactly where he fits into the team's plans but said he's been given a chance to compete for a spot on the traveling team his freshman year -- an important factor for a swimmer driven by higher competition.
"My coaches have said nothing is set in stone, and I really liked that a lot," Bolgan said. "There's no pecking order. If I work hard, I can swim right away."
It was one of the factors that helped Louisville gain an edge over Texas Christian, which Bolgan initially had planned on attending until taking a trip to Louisville over Halloween weekend.
Name: Charlie Bolgan
High school: Hilton Head High
Sport: Swimming
High school coach: Jack Maddan
Position: Distance swimmer
College: University of Louisville
Probable major: Undecided, likely psychology
Why Louisville? "The team had a real good sense of togetherness and the coaches all knew what they were doing," Bolgan said. "It's a really cool place, and I felt like I belonged when I was there."
About Louisville: The Cardinals took second in the Big East Conference Championships in 2008-09 and 29th at the NCAA Championship event. Arthur Albiero's team is a month into its 2009-10 season.
Other schools that offered scholarships: Texas Christian
Other high school sports played: None
Accolades: Won the Class 3-A state championship in both the 500-yard freestyle and 200 freestyle as a junior and a senior.
Qualified academically? Yes
