Pittsburgh Signs Four

PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania, November 28. UNIVERSITY of Pittsburgh Head Swimming and Diving Coach Chuck Knoles announced the addition of two women and two men swimmers for Pitt's 2012-13 roster. Joining the Panthers next year will be Bethany DeWitt, Kaleigh Ritter, Sean Heiden and Mack Rice.

"The addition of these student-athletes fills some holes for the coming season and we are excited that they have joined our Pitt family," Knoles said. "Each of these student-athletes have the strengths of character, athleticism and academia that we look for in our Panthers. They will be great successes in our program."

A tremendous athlete, DeWitt (West Chester, Pa./Bayard Rustin) recently decided to focus on swimming. She is a multi-sport athlete who spent much of her high school career as a standout field hockey player. DeWitt trains with Coach Scott Elliott and the Golden Ram Aquatic Club when time allows. This past season, DeWitt was a finalist in the 200 IM and the 100 free at the Pennsylvania State meet.

"With Bethany's ability to work solely on her swimming this season, we are expecting great things," Knoles said. "In the little time she has spent in the water, she has proved to be a force to be reckoned with. We look forward to a great senior year out of Bethany and know she will be a tremendous addition to our sprint program."

Ritter (Bellaire, Texas/Bellaire) is a distance specialist who comes from an athletic family. Her parents are both Pitt graduates, while her brother is a freshman swimmer at Texas and her younger sister is also an up and coming swimmer. Ritter and her siblings swam for Coach Gilbert Legaspi at Houston Swim Club.

Ritter is a Junior National qualifier and sectional finalist. She is an excellent student and is looking to major in physical therapy. Her best times are 4:59.57 in the 500 free, 10:07.13 in the 1000 free and 16:55.52 in the 1650 free.

"Kaleigh is an outstanding freestyler with great size, strength and athleticism," Knoles stated. "We look forward to her joining our distance program and making an immediate impact."

Heiden (Reading, Pa./Wilson) is a fierce competitor and currently one of the most gifted high school sprinters in Pennsylvania. Heiden swims for Wilson High School under Coach Roy Snyder and has benefited from the strong swimming tradition associated with the program.

Heiden placed within the top five as a member of three relays at the PIAA State Swimming Championships, including a third-place finish at the state finals. His best times are 21.23 in the 50 free, 46.99 in the 100 free and 1:43.45 in the 200 free.

Heiden has also seen success as a water polo player. His team won the Pennsylvania State Championship in both 2009 and 2010.

"Sean is talented in the sprint freestyle events and is working with Coach Snyder on learning to swim other distances and events," Knoles said. "We will look to add him to our sprint core and bring his sense of leadership to the program. He has proven that he is a competitor both as a swimmer and water polo player, and we know he will continue to excel as he begins to focus solely on swimming."

Rice (Cincinnati, Ohio/Indian Hill) is a talent in numerous areas in the pool. He has the capability to swim every individual stroke, yet specializes in the butterfly. Rice trained at the Cincinnati Aquatic Club under the guidance of Coach Benson Spurling.

"Mack's well-rounded ability will make him a consummate collegiate swimmer," Knoles commented. "We are excited that he will be able to contribute in the IMs and also in a wide range of individual events."

Last season, Rice won the Ohio High School Athletic Association title in the 200 IM and placed fifth in the 100 butterfly. His best times are 1:51.25 in the 200 IM, 50.49 in the 100 butterfly, and 1:51.12 (converted) in the 200 butterfly.

"Mack is coming off a successful high school championship and summer Junior National championship meet," Knoles noted. "We can't wait to see what he is able to do as a member of the Pitt swimming and diving family."

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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