April 15, 2023

By Fred Liggett
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A Wednesday afternoon college signing ceremony at Lee’s Summit West High School saw 15 more seniors from the class of 2023 sign with the colleges of their choice. One of them was Leo Kurucz, a state champion in swimming, who declared his intent to the University of Missouri.

Leo says, “It’s very cool” and adds he “always wanted to swim in the SEC.” Leo admits he’s “really humbled” by how everything turned out. Kurucz originally committed to Arizona State but has now signed to be a Tiger. Leo states “Mizzou did recruit me, I loved the team, coaches and felt like home.” Leo’s recruiting weekend was January 28 and 29th. In the end Leo will be joining the swim and dive program under the direction of head coach Andrew Grievers.

For Leo this follows him reaching his career goals as a high school swimmer. This biggest goal was “being a state champion.” Leo achieved this goal when he won the 200 freestyle event at the state meet. On top of being a newly crowned state champion Leo’s time in the event was the second fastest in state history.

To anyone following Leo’s progress through the years all of these accomplishments are no surprise. Leo participates on the Tsunami Swim team in Kansas City. Leo says it’s a “small team, but we get after it in practice.” Practices are held up north in Liberty, Mo. adding to a long day for Leo. This swim team has helped Leo see the United States as the team has been to Texas, Arkansas and Florida competing. On his experience traveling Leo says “pretty cool to go around the country and meet people.”

As Leo heads to 2023 graduation day to be held on Sunday, May 21 one can definitely say it’s pretty cool what he accomplished as a Lee’s Summit West Titan.