Three Top Swimmers, One Standout Diver Set to Become Wildcats in 2004

EVANSTON, Ill., December 3. NORTHWESTERN University head swimming and diving coach Bob Groseth has announced the signing of four student athletes to National Letters of Intent. Swimmers Kyle Bubolz, Jonathan Ehret and David Kormushoff and diver Ryan McIntosh have signed to join the Wildcat swimming and diving program for the 2004-05 season. Groseth is excited about the class and expects the group to provide immediate contributions.

"Bubolz is the linchpin. With Jon and David joining him, it guarantees that our relays will be strong for the next four years," Groseth said.

Bubolz, from Waukesha, Wis., is as accomplished as any swimmer in the country at the prep level. A seven-time All-American, Bubolz has won numerous Wisconsin state titles in the 50 and 100 free as well as the 100 fly. He was named Wisconsin Swimmer of the Year in 2001 and '02. Bubolz is a member of the United States Junior National Team as well. He holds numerous national records in various events. Groseth expects his success to continue at Northwestern.

"Kyle is one of the fastest and most versatile swimmers graduating this year," Groseth said. "In combination with (current NU freshman) Matt Grevers, Bubolz ensures that Wildcat relay teams will be among the nation's best for the next three years."

Ehret, a Phoenix, Ariz. native, is multiple-time All-American as well. He won the Arizona state championship in the 100 butterfly and 200 individual medley in 2002 and claimed his second state title in the 100 fly the following year. Ehret captained the 2003 Arizona high school state champion team and was recognized as its MVP. Ehret has achieved success on a national scale as well, finishing third in the 100 fly and fourth in the 100 free at the 2003 Junior Nationals Long Course.

"Jon fits well into the type of swimmer who has enjoyed success at Northwestern," Groseth said. "He is a solid, versatile swimmer with good speed and range. He will help us in both the freestyle and butterfly strokes and should be on relay teams that will score at NCAA's."

Kormushoff, a local talent from Hinsdale Central High School in Hinsdale, Ill., was an All-American from 2001-03. He claimed the Illinois state championship in the 100 breaststroke and finished third in the 100 fly. Kormushoff holds four school records and one conference record. He also swims competitively for the Hinsdale Swimming Club where he finished eighth at the Speedo Sectionals in the 100 breaststroke. In 2002, he was 13th in the nation in the 50 free as well.

"We are very excited about having David on the team next year. He is fast, versatile and very much a team player," said Groseth. "With fast times in so many events, the question will be where to use him. By this time next year, the rest of the Big Ten coaches will be asking themselves why they didn't recruit this kid."

Diver Ryan McIntosh, from Louisville, Ky., is a two-time high school All-American. He placed fifth at the Kentucky state championships in 2003 and dove at the Winter and Summer Nationals from 2000-'03. Diving coach Tom Michael expects McIntosh to compete with current NU diver Mike Oxman and form one of the finest diving duos in the Big Ten.

"Ryan in the dark horse recruiting this year. He is a diamond in the rough and is about the emerge on the national scene," Michael said. "I am really looking forward to working with Ryan next year. He is fearless and has great work ethic. He will make an instant impact on our diving program."

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