Maryland Signs Two Women

COLLEGE PARK, Maryland, November 9. BLAIR Cross and Stephanie Parker have signed National Letters of Intent committing to the University of Maryland for the 2007-08 season.

Cross received the 2002 Joel Farrell Outstanding Performance Award at the 2002 AAU Junior Olympic Games. Cross was the 2002 North Carolina State champion and record holder in both the 50-yard and 50-meter butterfly. She was a member of the relay team that notched a national record in the 200-yard and 200-meter freestyle relay for 11-12 year olds. In 2004, Cross claimed the 13-14 national age group record in 400 free relay and 200 free relay, also receiving a Proclamation from the Wake County Commissioner for this national relay record. Cross was an All-American in 2004-05 for the 200 medley relay and 100 free. She was an All-American in 2005-06 for the 400 free relay, 50 free, and 100 fly. In 2006, she was chosen by USA Swimming for the Diversity Swim Camp at the Olympic Training Center and made a national cut in 50 free.

"After knowing Blair as 11-12 year old from swim camp, it has been fun to finally have the opportunity to recruit her to our program," Maryland head coach Dave Durden said. "Having the chance to spend time with Blair and her family, it is evident where her dreams and desires are. She has been developed well by Dan Flack and now Kit Raulerson, and as a sprint freestyler and flyer, I am excited to welcome Blair to our program."

Cross will graduate from Ravenscroft School where she was a recipient of the 2005 Book Club Award for being the club's president for four years. In 2006, she also received the Service Award from her high school for helping with the organization of the Special Olympics. Currently, Cross swims for the Raleigh Swimming Association in the 100 fly (best time 56.00 SCY, 1:04.10 LCM), 50 free (best time 23.89 SCY, 26.56 LCM), 100 free (best time 51.90 SCY, 59.13 LCM), and 100 back (best time 57.88 SCY).

"I chose The University of Maryland because of the excellent academic programs, its coaching staff, and its facilities," Blair said. "This university provides many great opportunities to help students succeed in life."

Parker placed third in the 100-yard breaststroke at 2006 Indiana High School State meet, finished 16th in the 100 breast at 2006 Summer Junior Nationals, and was 23rd in the 100 breast at 2005 US Open. She is also a Spring National qualifier, Summer Junior National qualifier, and US Open qualifier.

"Stephanie made a tremendous impact on our women's team and staff this fall when she came on her visit," Durden said. "And, she will continue her impact in the water for us next season in the breaststroke events. Stephanie comes for a great club program in Fort Wayne Aquatics and we are excited to watch her continued improvement through this season."

Parker was a Distinguished Scholar and Scholar Athlete for four years at R. Nelson Snider High School. Currently, she swims for Fort Wayne Aquatics in the 100 breast (best time 1:04.64 SCY and 1:13.57 LCM), 200 breast (best time 2:20.99 SCY and 2:40.99 LCM), 200 individual medley (best time 2:07.05 SCY), and the 400 IM (best time 4:30.38 SCY).

"I chose Maryland for its academics, coaches, and the swimmers," Parker said.

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