Missouri Bolsters Recruiting Class

COLUMBIA, Missouri, May 9. THE University of Missouri, headed by coach Brian Hoffer, has bolstered its recruiting class for the 2007-08 campaign. Hoffer recently announced the signing of nine athletes – three on the male side and six on the female side. Hoffer inked Jordan Hawley (Plano, Texas / Plano West), Kevin Bigham (Blue Springs, Mo. / High) and Columbia Hickman diver Dante Jones for the men's team.

"These three guys make Mizzou Swimming and Diving better immediately," Hoffer said. "The men that are joining us are focused and are willing to work toward their goals to become the best. We couldn't be more pleased with the type of young men that have decided to make our program better. Our men's program changes dramatically with the combination of these fine young men, our early signings of Max Jaben and Spencer Lauver, and getting two redshirts back for the fall."

Hawley will provide a spark in the sprint-freestyle events, where he was an All-State selection during his high school career. As for Bigham, he'll lend support in the backstroke events and Jones will immediately contribute on the diving board as he enters the collegiate ranks as the reigning Missouri state champion on the one-meter board.

For the women's program, Hoffer secured the services of swimmers Lyndsey Cox (Littleton, Colo. / Colorado State), Margaret Eppright (Cleveland Heights, Ohio / Beaumont), Whitney Gorsegner (Cedar Rapids, Iowa / Jefferson) and Lauren Lavigna (Vancouver, Canada), as well as divers Colleen Burke (Columbus, Ohio / Centerville) and Jenny Franzone (San Antonio, Texas / Reagan).

Theses newest Tigers join Melissa Jamerson (Jacksonville, Fla. / Bolles), Morgan McCleery (Celina, Texas / Celina), Anastasia Sotiropoulos (Buena Park, Calif.), Francie Szostak (Northbrook, Ill. / Glenbrook North) and Abby Zepeda (Scottsdale, Ariz. / Pinnacle), who signed with Mizzou in January.

"These women have the character, academics and work ethic that we need to become one of the top teams in the NCAA ranks," Hoffer said. "These athletes, along with the women we signed in the fall, make this recruiting class an exciting time in our history. The team and staff are excited to have them join our program."

A transfer from Colorado State, Cox will be relied on in the backstroke events while Eppright will add strength in the sprint-freestyle disciplines. Gorsegner will also help out in the 50 free and is accomplished in the butterfly. Lavigna is a versatile freestyle, skilled from the 100 through the 500, and Franzone and Burke will look to provide scoring in the diving events.

Special thanks to the Missouri Sports Information Department for contributing to this report.

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