March 8, 2002

COLUMBIA, Mo.- Missouri freshman swimmer Amanda Morford has qualified for the 2002 NCAA Championships in Athens, Ga. Morford, from Baldwin, Kan., qualified in the 100 backstroke after breaking the school record with a time of 55.53 seconds at the Big 12 Championships two weeks ago.

Morford has been a big surprise this season for the Tigers. She signed with Mizzou along with her identical twin, Megan. Both swimmers made an immediate impact for the 25th ranked Tigers.

"Amanda has certainly been a great surprise," said Head Coach Brian Hoffer. "I could have never expected Amanda to qualify for the NCAA Championships when this season started, but she has worked so hard and deserves to be among the top backstroke swimmers in the country.

The NCAA Championships begin on Thursday, March 21 on the campus of the University of Georgia.

Morford is Missouri's first women's NCAA qualifier since the 2000 season when current teammate Leslie Hoh qualified in the 200 and 400 individual medley.

Junior sprint free swimmer Andrea Nigh is an alternate for the NCAA Championships. Nigh could make the trip in the 50 freestyle if another qualifier drops out of the championship meet.