FORMER UNLV REBEL DILLON VIRVA NAMED TO USA SWIMMING’S WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES ROSTER
Virva is one of 40 men and women headed to next month’s competition in Taiwan
@UNLVSwim&Dive on Twitter | USA World University Roster
Former UNLV swimmer Dillon Virva is continuing his outstanding career in the pool as he was named on Monday to the 40-swimming United States roster for the 2017 World University Games, which will be held Aug. 19-30 in Taipei City, Taiwan.
The swimming portion of the games will take place Aug. 20-27, and Virva is set to swim in the 50 meter free. He will be joined by 13 members of the USA National Team, including 2016 Olympic gold medalist Ryan Held. Featuring swimmers ages 17-23 who are current college students or recent graduates, the World University Games has been a springboard to international success for numerous competitors.
“Dillon’s selection is fantastic news for him, and for everyone associated with UNLV Swimming,” said UNLV head coach Ben Loorz. “He continues to grow and improve his craft, which is saying something, given the levels of success he has already achieved. Because he is a fifth-year athlete, we often had Dillon training on his own schedule this year, and it is not easy to consistently throw down at a world-class level when it is just you and the coach. This is a real testament to Dillon’s work ethic and drive to swim at an international level. We are grateful to Dillon for his commitment to reach the next level; and hats off to coaches Doug Djang (King Aquatic Club), Bobby Folan and of course Jim Reitz for helping Dillon develop into the competitor he is.”
Virva was a national contender in the 50 free at the collegiate level since his sophomore season with his first national top-five time, but really made his name by making the final eight of the 50 meter free at the 2016 Olympic Trials in Omaha, Nebraska. This will be the second time he has competed in an international event for the USA, following the 2016 FINA World Championships last December. This also makes Virva the most successful Rebel on the international level while representing the United States since UNLV Hall of Famer Bart Pippenger in the early 1990s.
As a Rebel, Virva earned individual or relay All-American or Honorable All-American status eight times, including a ninth-place performance in the 50 yard free at the 2016 NCAA Championships. The Nevada City, California, native was also the 2015 WAC Swimmer of the Year for UNLV.