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Ferry’s Bolinger to swim at Wheeling

MARTINS FERRY — To say Jarrett Bolinger put forth one of the most decorated swimming careers in Ohio Valley history might still be selling him short.

The Martins Ferry senior has a resume that includes three state meet appearances, eight individual OVAC titles, five sectional crowns and eight All-District performances.

Bolinger is now ready for his next challenge and it will occur at Wheeling University where he joins a resurgent Cardinals program that is returning to the water after a few year hiatus.

“I see myself as a building block in the growth of the new program,” Bolinger said. “The good academics and opportunity to play sports at the next level really attracted me to Wheeling.”

Bolinger put the finishing touches on his prep career in February, taking part in the Division II OHSAA State Swimming Championship at Canton’s Branin Natatorium.

“I look back at my (high school career) as very successful,” Bolinger said. “It was driven by hard work and determination.”

Bolinger shined in the 100 freestyle, qualifying to the state meet in that event. He narrowly missed a spot at the state meet in the 100 breaststroke.

Bolinger’s aforementioned accomplishments included a couple of maximum performances. His eight conference gold medals are the most an individual can win and his eight individual All-District swims also reaches the max.

Included in his district performances was a trio of silver medal finishes, which earned him an automatic trip to the state meet.

He was named the OVAC’s Male Swimmer of the Year twice.

At the collegiate level, Bolinger will continue to work in the freestyle and breaststroke as he works under recently hired Cardinals head coach Daniel Murphy, who had been an assistant at Nova Southeastern in Florida prior to landing the position at Wheeling.

“I am looking forward to working with my new coach and listening to his insights to help me improve my strokes at the college level,” Bolinger said.

Along with his swimming career, Bolinger was also a member of the Purple Rider football and track programs. He shined in track in the pole vault, qualifying to the regional in the event in 2019.

Away from athletics, he was part of the French Club and a four-year member of the Staying Clean Club.

Jarrett, who plans to major in secondary history education, is the son of Herman and Margaret Bolinger.

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