June 13, 2001
COLUMBIA, Mo.- The Missouri Tigers men's swimming and diving team completed its' 2001 recruiting class it was announced on Wednesday morning. Head Coach Brian Hoffer has signed five talented swimmers, bringing the total to seven new faces for the 2001-02 season.
In the early signing period, the Tigers signed RYAN SEARBY, a sprint free swimmer out of Champaign, Ill. and JOSH BOYD, a distance free specialist out Greenville, S.C. Boyd will have a new training partner in BLAKE DAVIS, a distance free swimmer out of Milford, Ohio. Davis, who stands 6-3, is a two-time Ohio state finalist and a three-time YMCA All-American. He holds five Milford High School records and earned All-American consideration.
"Blake should come in and make an immediate impact," said Hoffer. "He really compliments Dane Pedersen (Big 12 runner-up in the 1650 free) and Josh."
The Tigers have also signed another sprinter in JUSTIN ZEIMETZ out of Rochester, New Hampshire. Zeimetz is rated as one of the top 10 sprinters in the New England area where he swam for Spalding High School and his club team, Sea Coast Swimming. Zeimetz is a four-time New Hampshire state champion and holds two state records. He chose the Tigers over Clemson. At 6-3, Hoffer is excited about what Zeimetz can add to the team.
"Justin fits the sprint free profile," said Hoffer. "He is going to get bigger and stronger in our weight program, so we really think he is going to be a solid performer for us."
Hoffer also signed another swimmer out of the northeast in JACOB THOMAS, a backstroker from New Windsor, N.Y. Thomas is the New York state champion in the 100 backstroke, but is versatile in that he could help the Tigers in the butterfly and individual medley events as well. Thomas has earned All-American consideration twice in his career in the 100 backstroke. He is also a scholar athlete, earning U.S.S. Scholastic All-American accolades.
"We're really excited to have Jacob," said Hoffer. "He is the kind of young man we are looking for. He combines great academics with outstanding athletic ability."
Another new Tiger, MATT NORTH out of St. Charles, Ill. will have some familiarity when he arrives at Missouri. North, from St. Charles East High School, hails from the same hometown as current MU swimmers DAN KNUDSON and team captain SHANE WHILDIN. North will swim the breaststroke for the Tigers and can also contribute in the IM events. He chose Mizzou over Michigan State and Pittsburgh.
"Matt is really going to help our young breaststroke squad," said Hoffer. "He provides us with depth that should help us in dual meet competition."
The final signee by Missouri is a transfer from Kansas, CHRIS MUSFELDT of Gladstone, Mo. Musfeldt swam for the Park Hill Swim Club in high school before signing with Kansas. Musfeldt, who will be a sophomore, gives the Tigers added depth and collegiate experience in the breaststroke and IM events.
"It's unfortunate that Kansas had to drop their swimming program," said Hoffer. "We're excited to have Chris at Missouri and we think he will be successful here."
As a whole, Hoffer is pleased with his signees. Missouri added depth in nearly every event.
"These are the kind young men that will represent Missouri both athletically and academically," said Hoffer. "This group provides us with a lot of depth in several events. I think we have some upcoming stars in this class."