Houchin, Spann Lead Michigan’s Recruiting Class

ANN ARBOR, Mich. November 29. THE University of Michigan men's swimming and diving program announced the signing of five students to National Letters of Intent during the early signing period. Joining the Wolverines for the 2006-07 school year are Chris Brady (Wilmington, Del./Mt. Pleasant HS), Josh Correll (Charlotte, N.C./Providence HS), Charlie Houchin (Raleigh, N.C./William G. Enloe HS), Scott Spann (Austin, Texas/Westlake HS) and Shaun Weinberg (Phoenix, Md./Dulaney HS).

The quintet marks the second recruiting class for head coach Bob Bowman since taking over prior to the 2004-05 season.

"We are thrilled with this group of athletes," said Bowman. "We are bringing in some of the best swimmers in the country, and I look forward to watching them progress in the coming four years."

Brady is a four-time Delaware state champion, having won the 50-yard freestyle and 100-yard butterfly in both 2004 and 2005. A member of the Team Delaware club team, coached by Jamie Skinner and Dan Sullivan, Brady is also a U.S. national qualifier and USA Swimming sectional champion in the 100-yard butterfly. He is the brother of junior All-American Kaitlyn Brady of the U-M women's swimming and diving team.

"Chris is one of the great up-and-coming sprinters in the nation," said Bowman. "He has a world of potential and will be a major player in both butterfly and freestyle events on the collegiate level and beyond."

A 2005 USA Swimming Scholastic All-American, Correll has reached the finals at the USA Swimming sectionals in the 100- and 200-yard breaststrokes, as well as qualifying for the U.S. Open. Correll is the second swimmer in as many years to come to Michigan from the Mecklenberg Aquatic Club, coached by Dave Gibson, joining current freshman Matt Patton (Matthews, N.C./Butler).

"We are very happy to continue our relationship with Mecklenberg Aquatic Club. Josh is a excellent student who will be a great addition in our breaststroke group." Bowman said.

Houchin recorded three top-15 finishes in the nation at the 2005 U.S. National Championships, placing eighth in the 400-meter, 12th in the 1500-meter and 13th in the 800-meter freestyle events. He was a member of the 2005 U.S. Junior National Team and also earned high school All-America accolades in the 200- and 500-yard freestyles. Houchin is coached by Ron Turner of the YMCA of the Triangle Area club team.

"Charlie brings a lot to the table," Bowman said. "He has great experience after competing on the National Junior Team and has tremendous feel for the water which allows him to swim the entire range of freestyle events."

Spann was also a member of the U.S. Junior National Team in 2005. He earned two top-10 finishes at the 2005 U.S. Nationals, placing ninth and seventh in the 100- and 200-meter breaststroke events, respectively. Spann was a Texas high school state champion in the 100-yard breaststroke and received high school All-America laurels.

"We are very excited Scott chose Michigan as the place to pursue his academic and swimming goals. He comes from one of America's great swimming families and swims for legendary coach, Randy Reese, of the Longhorn Aquatic Club," Bowman said. "Scott is a great addition as we continue to take our program to new heights."

Weinberg joins the Maize and Blue from the renowned North Baltimore Aquatic Club, where volunteer assistant coach Michael Phelps previously trained. A 2005 USA Swimming Scholastic All-American, Weinberg shows great promise in the pool, having been a Maryland state champion in backstroke, butterfly, freestyle and individual medley events.

"Shaun's versatility is going to be a tremendous asset for us in the future," Bowman said. "He has received top-notch coaching from Paul Yetter and Murray Stephens, and I am delighted to have a swimmer from the NBAC join our team."

Fourth-ranked Michigan (3-0, 1-0 Big Ten) will travel to Austin, Texas, to compete in the three-day Texas Invitational (Dec. 1-3) at the Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center.

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