Nov. 21, 2001

COLUMBIA, Mo.- Head Swimming and Diving Coach Brian Hoffer announced the signings of three talented swimmers to the women's swimming and diving program. The Tigers will graduate just three swimmers off of this year's team.

The first signee is LIZ SCHOBORG, a versatile swimmer from Cincinnati, Ohio. Schoborg is the 2001 YMCA National Champion in the 100 butterfly. Schoborg competes in the butterfly, individual medley and freestyle events. She was a member of the 200 medley relay state champions for Oak Hills High School. She also finished third in the 100 butterfly at the Ohio state meet. Schoborg also competes for Gamble-Nippert YMCA.

"The addition of Liz gives us a great one-two punch with Becca Dawson," said Hoffer. "The depth that we will have next year in the butterfly events will really be noticed on a national level. Liz is someone who we identified last year and we are really excited to have her in our program."

The Tigers have also added a talented freestyle/butterfly specialist in LAURA PONTECORE of Long Grove, Ill. Pontecore, who stands 5-10, is a U.S. Open qualifier in both the 100 butterfly and 200 freestyle. She is a state finalist in both events for Stevenson High School.

"Laura is a student-athlete that will be very successful in our program," said Hoffer. "She is leader and a very talented swimmer."

The final signee is ELIZABETH STEMPIEN of Fort Wayne, Ind. Stempien is a sprint freestyle specialist who will also provide depth in the breaststroke events. Stempien competes for Snider High School and has made her mark at Fort Wayne Aquatics under coach Dave Gibson. Stempien chose Mizzou over such programs as Indiana and Maryland.

"Elizabeth comes from a good club team," said Hoffer. "She has good speed and will really help us in the sprint free events."