Nov. 21, 2000

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Missouri Head Swimming and Diving Coach BRIAN HOFFER announced the signings of two talented swimmers on Tuesday. The Tigers inked RYAN SEARBY of Champaign, Ill. and JOSH BOYD out of Greenville, S.C. Both swimmers are expected to make an immediate impact next season.

Searby is expected to step right in and compliment current freshman TYLER BELANGER in the sprint freestyle events next season when the Tigers lose captain AARON LO to graduation. Searby, who stands 6-3, was a finalist in the 50 and 100 freestyle events at the Illinois state meet last season as a junior. He is unique in that he only trains for swimming during the swimming season. He is a first team All-State linebacker on the Champaign Centennial High School football team.

"We feel like Ryan is a diamond in the rough," said Hoffer. "He is very focused and he's ready to commit to swimming after being a two-sport athlete. We really feel lucky to get Ryan because I think he is going to something special."

Searby is an excellent student as well who is looking to major in computer science upon his arrival to Missouri.

Boyd is a distance swimmer who will compliment current Mizzou sophomores DANE PEDERSEN and STEPHEN DURLEY. Boyd, who hails from Eastside High School, was the YMCA National Champion in the 1500 freestyle last summer and finished fourth overall in the 400 freestyle.

"Josh is the last link to fill in on the distance squad," said Hoffer. I really think we are set for the next couple of years in the distance events with Pedersen, Durley and now Josh Boyd. We are really going to be solid in the distance events."