Sept. 17, 2003

The University of Missouri Swimming and Diving teams will hold their annual Black and Gold meet at 5:00 pm on Friday at the University Natatorium. Friday's Black and Gold meet will be the first opportunity for Missouri swimming and diving fans to see the 2003 squad.

The Tiger's female squad is coming off a record-setting season. The Tigers advanced three to the NCAA Championships last year and finished the season with a 13-1 mark. Despite the loss of six seniors, the Tiger women return nineteen from last year's squad, including three NCAA qualifiers, and add eight new faces to the team looking to improve on last year's finish.

Top returners for the women include Rebecca Wolfe, Andrea Nigh, and Sarah Lo. Wolfe is a two-time Big 12 Champion and competed in the 2003 NCAA Championships. This past summer Wolfe competed in the U.S. Summer Nationals and was able to qualify to compete in the 2004 U.S. Olympic Trials. Andrea Nigh also competed in the NCAA Championships in both the 50 and 100 free. Nigh is also the holder of Missouri's school records in the 50 and 100 free. Sarah Lo qualified for the NCAA Championships in the 100 breast and 100 and 200 back. Lo also finished second in the 100 breast at the 2003 Big 12 Championships.

The Tiger men also had a season to remember as Matt Ferrarelli became the first swimmer under Head Coach Brian Hoffer to score points at the NCAA Championships. The Tigers finished last season with a 5-5 mark making last season their sixth consecutive season with a .500 finish or better.

The Tigers return fourteen from last year's squad and add four new talents to the team. Returning for the Tigers this year are captains Chris Musfeldt and Tyler Belanger and 2004 Olympic Trials Qualifier, Matt North.

On Saturday, September 20 the Tigers will hold their annual Alumni Meet giving MU swimming alumni the opportunity to test their skills against current Tiger swimmers.