Nov. 28, 2001

COLUMBIA, Mo.- The Missouri Tigers have signed diver AARON WIONZEK and sprint free swimmer JOHN ARMSTRONG, it was announced on Wednesday morning. Both student-athletes are expected to make an immediate impact on the men's swimming and diving program next season.

Wionzek, who hails from Saskatoon, Saskatchewon, is among the best young Canadian divers. He is currently ranked as one of the top-six divers in Canada and has been competing internationally the last two years. He placed seventh on the one-meter board and 11th on the three-meter board at Canadian Senior Nationals. He competed at the CanAm-Mex Meet, and also qualified for the Junior Pan-Am Games by placing second on the one-meter board and fifth on the three-meter board at Junior Nationals. Wionzek also dove at the Canada Games where he won the one-meter competition while finishing sixth on the three-meter board and fifth on the tower.

"Aaron is a step in the right direction for the talent we are looking to recruit," said Diving Coach Greg Triefenbach. "His personality will fit in well at Missouri."

Armstrong is a sprint free specialist from Lawrence, Kan. Armstrong, who stands 6-6, will also get a look in the butterfly events. He is one of the top sprinters out of the state of Kansas and is a two-time finalist at the Kansas state high school meet. Armstrong also competes for the Lawrence Aquahawks club team where he is coached by Brian Barnes. He holds several high school and club records.

"John will help our sprint free team become a group to contend with over the next couple of years," said Head Coach Brian Hoffer. "He comes from a very good club team, and we feel he is going to continue to get faster at Missouri."