SPANISH FORT, Alabama— Spanish Fort swimmer Kyle Simpson signed to compete for the University of Alabama men this fall. The backstroke and butterfly sprint specialist has been a varsity letterman for the Toros since the seventh grade.

“I’m excited about swimming for Alabama,” he said. “They have a good program and coach (UA head coach Dennis Pursley). I had some other offers but I think that’s the place for me. I’m mainly a backstroker and a butterflyer but I like to do a little bit of everything. They are working to build Alabama swimming and diving back to prominence and I want to be a part of that.”

Swim coach Jan Mittemeyer of TNT Swimming said Simpson is among the top 30 incoming collegiate swimmers in the nation.

“Kyle was actually nationally ranked as a 10-year-old (100 backstroke) before he joined our team at 11 and then after he joined he was nationally ranked in several different events including a No. 1 national ranking as a 12-year old. And he’s maintained that high level of performance and is now ready to compete at the SEC, NCAA level. So we’re looking forward to seeing him at Bama. He’s worked very hard and we’re all excited.”

Some of Simpson’s highest accomplishments include:• USA Swimming Academic All-American Team, 2011, 2012, 2013; • USA Swimming Junior National Qualifier - 100 & 200 butterfly, 100 & 200 backstroke; • 2012 USA Swimming Junior National Finalist - 100 butterfly.

SFHS supervising swim coach Michael Beasley said Simpson was also a good student and teammate. “Kyle’s not only a fantastic swimmer but an outstanding young man and good leader. He always helped the younger ones and also the older ones to motivate them for good of the team.”