Missouri Swimming and Diving Announces Staff Promotions

COLUMBIA, Missouri, September 9. MISSOURI men's and women's swimming and diving Head Coach Brian Hoffer has announced the promotion of Chris Peters from Assistant Coach to Associate Head Coach.

"Chris has done a fantastic job here for us," said Hoffer. "He's been a Tiger for a long time and it's nice to let him know that we are as committed to him as he is to us. A lot of our success over the past few years is largely due to the work Chris has put in."

Peters spent the last four seasons as an Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator, a position that he retains entering this season. He is primarily responsible for the distance free, IM, and backstroke events for the Tigers, and has overseen many successful swimmers during his time here, including 2008 Olympic Trials qualifiers Jill Granger and 2008 U.S. Open Water Championship runner-up Colleen Gordon.

Peters has also helped the Tigers become a nationally-known program with his successful recruiting over the past several seasons. The number of NCAA "B" cut times recorded increased from three during his first season, all the way to 19 last year. To top it off, Peters brought in top-25 recruiting classes for both the men and the women for 2007-08.

"Mizzou is a very special place and I'm very fortunate to be here during a time of such growth," said Peters. "Mizzou athletics has been a major part of my life for over a decade so it means a lot to me that they feel such a commitment to me and my family. I truly believe that Mizzou swimming and diving is on the cusp of becoming a nationally prominent program and I'm ecstatic to be a part of it."

Peters swam for the Tigers from 1995-98 and graduated in 1999 with a degree in English. During his four-year stint at Mizzou, Peters set the school mark in the 200 back. He is still fourth all-time at MU in the 100 (49.65) and 200 back (1:48.19). Peters was also an eight-time conference finalist in the 100 and 200 back as well as a 2000 Olympic Trials qualifier.

Coach Hoffer also announced that Patrick Rowan, who served as a graduate assistant during his first season as a coach at Mizzou, has been promoted to a full-time assistant.

"We have a very experienced coach here with Patrick," said Hoffer. "It was nice to be able to reward him with a full-time position. He's been great in helping us improve as a team as we continue to strive to reach our goals as a team. I look forward to coach Rowan working with our sprinters this upcoming season."

Last year, Rowan directed the power sprint group while also working with the middle distance group. A number of his swimmers were Big XII conference finalists and made NCAA provisional time standards. Rowan also assisted with putting together a top twenty-five recruiting class for both the men's and women's teams.

Rowan swam competitively for the Eagles of Eastern Michigan University and enjoyed great success during his four years on the team. Rowan was a 12-time Mid-American Conference (MAC) finalist and a member of two MAC championship teams.

Special thanks to Missouri for contributing this report.

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