University of Arizona Signs Botsford -- April 20, 1999

TUCSON, AZ - Beth Botsford, a Garrison Forest High School product (Timonium, Md.), who was a double gold-medalist at the 1996 Olympic Games, signed a national letter of intent to attend the University of Arizona and compete for the Wildcats beginning in the 1999-2000 academic year, head coach Frank Busch announced.

"Beth comes to Arizona with an array of excellent credentials," Busch said. "We are thrilled to have her become a member of our team next fall and I am sure she will make a huge impact on this program." Botsford, who swims for North Baltimore Aquatics was the 1996 Olympic champion in the 100m backstroke in 1996 and was also a member of the gold medal-winning 400m medley relay at the Olympic Games.

She is currently a member of the 1998-99 United States National Team, which is comprised of USA swimmers who rank in the top-eight in the world in their respective events. Botsford was also a World Championship team member in 1998 and holds the distinction of being the 12th fastest woman ever in the 200 backstroke (2:10.66).

Botsford and fellow gold-medalist Amanda Beard - a fall signee at UA - were both 15-year-old sensations on the 1996 U.S. Olympic team and will join the Wildcats squad next August.