Nov. 21, 2000

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Missouri Head Swimming and Diving Coach BRIAN HOFFER announced the signings of two talented swimmers on Tuesday. The Tigers have signed REBECCA DAWSON, considered one of Missouri's top high school female swimmers, as well LINDSAY PALBYKIN, a state champion out Tempe, Arizona.

Dawson is from Lafayette High School in St. Louis and swims for the Rockwood Swim Club, the same club that has produced several Tiger swimmers including senior captain KIM LAMBERT. Dawson is the defending state champion in the 100 butterfly and finished second in the 200 individual medley at the Missouri state meet last year. She will make an immediate impact in the both the butterfly and individual medley events.

"Rebecca is one of the top swimmers that this state has produced in a while," said Hoffer. "I am excited that she has decided to stay home and compete for the University of Missouri. Rebecca fills a couple of spots that we will need to fill after the season. She will step in right away and be a factor."

Dawson ranks academically in the top 15 in her class and plans on pursuing pre-medicine.

Palbykin has only been swimming for three years and quickly has become one of the top high school swimmers in the state of Arizona. A middle distance swimmer, Palbykin, who hails from Corona del Sol High School, won the 200 freestyle at the Arizona state championships and finished in the top three in the 100 freestyle as a junior.

"We are really excited to see Lindsay's potential," said Hoffer. "She is still relatively new to this sport. She really has a chance to make huge impact at the University of Missouri."

Palbykin also ranks in the top 15 in her class academically.