Gamecock Men’s Recruiting Class Ranked 21st Nationally

COLUMBIA, South Carolina, July 1. COACH McGee Moody's 2009-10 signing class for the South Carolina men's swimming team has turned a few heads in the college swimming world after earning a top-25 ranking for the first time in his tenure. CollegeSwimming.com released its annual recruiting rankings last week, ranking the Gamecocks No. 21 among men's programs for the upcoming season.

And Moody believes it could be even better than the experts think.

"In my opinion, that's an underestimation of this class," Moody said. "This is the best class we've ever had when you combine the depth and speed of these guys that we've signed. They will have an immediate impact on our program. Just an incredible group."

Headlining the 2009-10 signing class are two top-100 recruits as ranked by CollegeSwimming.com. Max Heinze, a native of Berlin, Germany, and a transfer from Division II swimming power Ouachita Baptist University, is the top-rated signee in the group, ranked 68th overall. A sprint freestyler, Heinze brings in a career top time of 20.56 seconds in the 50 freestyle, which would have put him third among Gamecocks last season. He was also part of a 200 medley relay team at OBU that set the Division II national record in winning the event at last season's NCAA Division II championships.

The other top-100 recruit is 91st-ranked Michael Flach, a native of Annandale, Va. He brings power and endurance to the distance freestyle events with times in the 1000 freestyle (9:10.48) and 500 freestyle (4:26.02) that would rank among South Carolina's all-time top swims.

Rounding out the class are Collin Kaden (Humble, Texas), Matt Columbus (Cincinnati, Ohio), Alex Fitton (Monmouth Beach, N.J.), Brooks Ross (Richmond, Va.), Bobby Cave (London, England) and Andrew Seiler (Phoenixville, Pa.).

"There is a ton of talent and potential in every guy in this group," Moody said. "I think we put together the best group available for us, and I'm really excited about the direction of this program."

The Gamecocks open the 2009-10 dual meet season Oct. 9 at home against Kentucky.

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.

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