Utah Announces Signees

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, December 10. THE Utah swimming and diving team announced its recruiting class as eight signed National Letter of Intent during the early signing period. The swimmers hail from across the country, with many having national competition experience. Many have been honored, not just for their success in the pool, but also for their academic achievements with four being named Scholastic All-Americans. Below is the list of incoming freshmen for the Utes.

REBECCA BOTT
Bott comes to Utah after three years of competing with Nitro Swimming in Austin, Texas. Before being on that team, Bott was a member of the 2006-2007 Iowa State Championship team during her freshman year. While with Nitro Swimming, Bott was a member of the Junior National 800 free relay team and was a Summer LC Junior National Qualifier and a Winter SC Junior National Qualifier.

Bott is also a two-year USA Scholastic All-American and has been named to the Honor Roll for her three years while with Nitro Swimming.

Top times
500 Free – 5:03.48
1000 Free – 10:19.21
1650 Free -17:17.96

COACH WINSLOW'S THOUGHTS
"Becca is a great distance swimmer that comes to Utah ready to make an immediate impact in our distance events. She is a hard worker, a great teammate, and a swimmer who will be fun to work with in the years to come."

NICOLE LIGEZA
Ligeza comes to the University of Utah from Oswego East High School in Oswego, Illinois, where she was coached by Deryl Leubner. Ligeza also swam under Bill Schalz for the Academy Bullets Swim Club. Under their tutelage, Ligeza was a four-time Illinois high school state qualifier in the 100 breast, 100 fly and 200 IM events, a three-time state finalist in the 100 breast and 200 IM, and a four-time Illinois All-State Award recipient. Ligeza was also the team captain for her high school team for both her junior and senior years.

In addition to her in-state honors, Ligeza has earned recognition nationally, first as a high school Scholastic All-American for the 2008-2009 season in the 100 and 200 breast, the 200 and 400 IM, the 100 fly and the 200 back. Ligeza also was a finalist at the NCSA Junior Nationals in the 200 IM, the 400 free relay, the 400 medley relay and the 800 free relay in 2008. In 2009, Ligeza was a Junior Nationals qualifier in the 200 IM and a Winter SCY Nationals qualifier in the 100 and 200 breast as well as the 200 IM.

Some of her other interest and hobbies include running, biking, snowboarding, watching a good movie and listening to her iPod. She is currently undecided on a major.

Ligeza was born on Dec. 15, 1991 in Chicago and her parents are Ryszard and Urszula Ligeza.

COACH WINSLOW'S THOUGHTS
"Nicole is a great 200 breaststroker who will push current team record holder and captain, Maiya Otsuka, everyday in practice. Nicole's goals are right in line with where the Utes want to be and she will be someone who will strengthen our breaststroke events for years to come. Nicole will also be challenging for a spot on the 2012 Polish Olympic team and I expect her to be ready for London in 2012."

SAMANTHA ZUCH
Coming from Napoleon High School in Napoleon, Ohio, Zuch is one of the most decorated new swimmers coming to Utah. Coached by Larry Vocke, Zuch is a six-time NISCA high school All-American, getting the honor for her performances in the 200 free in 2007, the 50, 100 and 200 free in 2008 and the 200 and 500 free in 2009. She has set Napoleon High school records in the 50, 100, 200 and 500 free as well as set three Northwest Ohio District meet records. She is the 2009 Ohio state champion in the 200 and 500 free and has been named to the Ohio All-State team for second and fourth-place finishes during her freshman and sophomore years. Zuch is a three-time Greater Buckeye Conference Swimmer of the Year and was named first team All-State in water polo in both her junior and senior year.

Zuch has three sisters: Katie, Amanda and Allison. Her parents are Tim and Brenda Zuch.

Top Times
50 Free – 23.93
100 Free – 51.77
200 Free – 1:49.65
500 Free – 4:56.72

COACH WINSLOW'S THOUGHTS
"Sami is an impressive multi-sport athlete who has competed in both swimming and water polo throughout her high school career. Sami will make an impact on all of our relays and will swim a lot of different events for the Utes throughout the next four years. We are excited to have such an amazing athlete join our team."

ELIZABETH THOMPSON
Coming to the Utes from Layton High School, just north of Salt Lake City, Thompson is one of the few local athletes to be on the University of Utah swim team. Thompson has finished in second place in the 100 free and fourth place in the 50 free at the Utah 5A state championships in 2009. She was her region champion in both of those events. Thompson was also honored at the 2009 Viewmont Thanksgiving Invitational by winning Overall Highpoint for the women. Thompson has also been on state-placing relay teams from Layton. She helped her team to a fifth-place finish at the 5A State Championships 2009 and second-place finish at the region meet in 2009. She was also named the hardest worker on the Layton High School swim team in 2007.

In addition to her athletic accomplishments, Thompson has achieved academic success. She was named the Student of the Term for her first term senior year in AP English literature, creative writing and swim conditioning. She has also been on the honor roll through her entire high school career.

Top Times
50 Free – 24.92
100 Free – 54.22
100 Breast – 1:09.01
100 Fly – 59.72

COACH WINSLOW'S THOUGHTS
"Elizabeth is a local Utah superstar who will add to our depth in our sprint events. I expect big things from her in the next few years and am excited to see a home-grown talent join our squad."

VALERIE MCMULLEN
From Heritage High School in Leesburg, Virginia, McMullen brings with her a wealth of talent. As a member of Sun Devil Aquatics from 2002 to 2006 McMullen earned an Arizona state championship in the 200 free and was also a member of a nationally-ranked relay. She was also a member of SNOW Swimming from 2006-2007, becoming the record holder in 200 free, 100 back and 500 free.

During her sophomore year of high school, McMullen broke the Virginia AA District record in the 200 free and was the 50 free champion. In 2007, McMullen was Potomac Valley Zones champion in the 200 and 500 free and was PVS Junior Olympics champion and record holder for the 200 and 500 free as well as the 200 back. In 2008, McMullen was a member of the PVS Zones meet record-breaking relay team and was PVS Zones team champion in 100 and 200 free.

Top Times
100 Free – 52.3
200 Free – 1:50.6
500 Free – 5:01
100 Back – 58.6

COACH WINSLOW'S THOUGHTS
"Val is a tough, strong athlete who will change the chemistry of our team the moment she steps on campus. I expect Val to solidify our middle distance events and help out on relays while bringing an amazing work ethic and mental toughness to our squad."

DEREK LAIR
Lair comes to Utah from C. M. Russell High School in Great Falls, Mont., where he had a prolific career. In his four years of high school, Lair has earned two high school state championships in the 100 free, two state championships in the 200 IM and has set state records in both events. He has been named a high school All-American in both events as well as All-State. Lair has also been the 200 medley relay and 400 free relay state championship teams. He is a two-time high school MVP, a two-time team captain and was named to the Academic All-State team. Lair has also been named the Swimming Athlete of the Year in 2009.

Lair has also competed nationally in the 50 and 100 free, the 100 fly and the 200 IM at the USA Swimming Junior Nationals and was a qualifier in the USA Swimming National meet in the 100 free and the 200 IM. He was also named a USA Swimming Scholastic All-American.

In addition to his swimming achievements, Lair is a member of the National Honor Society and has been awarded the Charles M. Russell High School Academic Letter and was awarded the Congressional Award Gold Medal.

Top Times
50 Free – 21.36
100 Free – 45.84
100 Fly – 50.58
200 IM – 2:10.45

COACH WINSLOW'S THOUGHTS
"Derek is a well-rounded athlete who can swim anything and everything on the event list. Not only will he add depth to our young squad, but his driven personality will compliment his talent as he dives into the Mountain West Conference."

CALEB HERRICK
Hailing from Kansas, Herrick's accomplishments will serve him well on the Utah diving squad. As a freshman, Herrick finished 14th in the Kansas state meet. His sophomore year saw him improve to a 12th-place finish in the state meet as well as being named first team All-city. In his junior year, Herrick saw the most improvement, finishing fifth overall in the state meet and earning him first team all-league and first team all-city. Herrick also holds his school record in 6-dive and 11-dive meet scores. He is also a member of the National Honor Society

Herrick enjoys playing golf, wakeboarding, and snowboarding when he is not competing. He is currently undecided on his major.

Herrick has one brother, Ethan, and his parents are Chris and Susan Herrick

Top Scores
6 Dive – 272.20
11 Dive – 406.80

COACH WINSLOW'S THOUGHTS
"Caleb is our second diver from Kansas to join the team and will be dominant on the boards for the Utes. I was impressed throughout the recruiting process by Caleb's willingness to challenge himself on the boards and his fearless commitment to excellence. We are excited to have this young man joining our young, but talented, diving team."

BRENT MURRAY
The younger brother of current Utah swimmer and record holder, Eric Murray, Murray comes to Utah already nationally recognized. His time in the 50 free is ranked sixth nationally and his time in the 100 free is eighth. In addition to his nationally-ranked times, Murray was selected to the 2009 USA Swimming National Select Camp and was ranked as a six star recruit in Swimming World Magazine for 2010.

Murray has also been on Swim Atlanta's men's senior 400 free relay team that placed second at the South Eastern Senior Sectionals, breaking the Georgia state record. He has also been on two Georgia state championship relay teams, Swim Atlanta's 15-18-year old 200 medley relay team, ranking fourth nationally with their time and breaking the state record, as well as the 400 medley relay team.

Brent was also named to the 2008-2009 USA Swimming Scholastic All American team.

Top Times
50 Free – 20.85
100 Free – 45.62
200 Free – 1:41.33
100 Back – 51.44

COACH WINSLOW'S THOUGHTS
"Brent will join our team as the fastest sprinter on the roster the minute he walks in the door. Having a talent like Brent join our team will be exciting for the Utah family immediately. Expect Brent to change the face of Utah swimming in the years to come."

The above article is a press release submitted to Swimming World Magazine. It has been posted in its entirety without editing. Swimming World offers all outlets the chance to reach our audience by contacting us at Newsmaster@swimmingworldmagazine.com. However, Swimming World reserves the right to choose what material is posted.

Name*

Email*

Welcome to our community. We invite you to join our discussion. Our community guidelines are simple: be respectful and constructive, keep on topic, and support your fellow commenters. Commenting signifies that you agree to our Terms of Use