Wisconsin Signs Seven For 2006-07

MADISON, Wisconsin. December 15. THE University of Wisconsin head coach Eric Hansen has announced seven individuals have signed National Letters of Intent and will join the Badgers in the 2006-07 season. The group is made up of three women and four men from six states.

The recruits have combined to earn six state titles, two junior national titles and four finishes at the junior national finals. The group also has totaled 12 NISCA All-American awards.

"Both the men's and women's class will help fill holes and make us a stronger team in the future," said Hansen.

The women's team will be adding two internationally ranked swimmers. New Jersey native Samantha Edwards is ranked 116th in the world in the 1500-meter freestyle, while Texas native Gabrielle Maddalena is 116th in the world in the 800-meter freestyle.

The men's team has signed two of Wisconsin's high school breaststroke state champions. Fitchburg native Dan Koenig is the 2005 Division 1 state champion in the 100-yard breaststroke, while McFarland graduate Derrick O'Donnell earned four Division 2 state titles.

In 2004, O'Donnell won the 500-yard freestyle and the 100-yard breaststroke state titles, and in the following season, he placed first in the 200-yard IM and set a new state record in the 100-yard breaststroke.

The women's diving team adds Minnesota native Jenny Hawkins to its roster. Hawkins was a high school All-American in 2003 and 2004, and she was a 2005 Summer Speedo Junior National qualifier and finalist.

"We are very excited to get Jenny," said head diving coach Josh Seykora. "She has been diving for just a short time, so she is only going to improve. She comes from a very strong diving club and background."

The Badgers will continue recruiting and add more athletes to their roster in the spring.

MEN'S RECRUITS

Phil Davies (Rye, N.Y./Fordham Preparatory School)

2004 state champion in 50 free and runner-up in 100 free … member of National Honor Society

Dan Koenig (Fitchburg, Wis./Madison West)

2005 Division 1 state champion in 100 breast … member of 2005 Junior National Champion 200 and 400 freestyle relay teams … six-time NISCA All-American

Derrick O'Donnell (McFarland, Wis./McFarland)

2005 Division 2 state champion in the 200 IM and 100 breaststroke … Division 2 state record holder in 100 breaststroke … 2004 state champion in 500 freestyle and 100 breaststroke … two-time NISCA All-American * named second-team all-conference soccer goalie

Jeff Wurm (Sudbury, Mass./Lincoln Sudbury Regional)

State finalist in 100 backstroke, 100 freestyle and 50 freestyle … finalist at 2005 Junior Nationals in 100 backstroke … member of Eagle Scouts

WOMEN'S RECRUITS

Gabrielle Maddalena (The Woodlands, Texas/The Woodland)

Member of National Select Team in 1500-meter freestyle … national qualifier in 1000 and 1650 freestyle … ranked 116th in the world in the 800-meter freestyle … 2005 Texas High School District Competitor of the Year … four-time NISCA All-American

Samantha Edwards (Pilesgrove, N.J./Woodstown)

Member of 2005 USA National Junior Team … ranked 116th in the world in the 1500-meter freestyle … national qualifier in 1000 and 1650 freestyle

Jenny Hawkins (Eden Prairie, Minn./Eden Prairie)

2005 Spring West Nationals qualifier *2005 Summer Speedo Junior Nationals qualifier and finalist * high school All-American sophomore and junior years * Minnesota AA state finalist sophomore through senior years * team captain * 2004 Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) ExCEL Award Winner

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