Dec. 5, 2003

Columbia, Mo - Missouri swimming Head Coach Brian Hoffer has announced the signing of six newcomers, three males and three females, to the 2004-05 swim team during the early signing period. This year's early signing class is the largest Hoffer has had in his 12 year tenure here at Missouri.

Joining the Tigers next year will be Jill Bastien, Sarah Menefee, Arica Jacinto, Travis Floyd, Justin Sellers and Brandon Lee.

Jill Bastien is a St. Louis, Mo. native and is a senior at Parkway Central High School. Bastien also swims for the Parkway Swim Club and is coached by Nick Rudich. Bastien is a breaststroke and individual medley event swimmer. In the 100 breast, she is a Missouri State record holder and two-time state champion. Bastien is a high school All-American and academic All-American. Bastien is also a three-time U.S. Open qualifier. Bastien's best times are 1:04.35 in the 100 breaststroke, 2:24.40 in the 200 breaststroke and 2:05.20 in the 200 IM.

"We identified Jill as one of the best swimmers in Missouri and we are very excited she has decided to join us. We have had a long trend of breaststrokers here at Missouri and we look forward to Jill carrying that tradition," said Missouri Head Coach Brian Hoffer.

Hailing from Louisville, Kentucky backstroke and IM swimmer, Sarah Menefee has decided to join the Tigers for the 2004-05 season. Menefee is a member of the Lakeside Aquatic Club and is coached by Mike Deboor. She is a senior at Sacred Heart Academy. Menefee is a Senior U.S. National qualifier in the 200 backstroke. Menefee's best times include finishing 57.6 in the 100 backstroke, 2:03.5 in the backstroke and 2:08.4 in the 200 IM.

Hoffer on Menefee: "We are excited to have someone to help replace the loss of Sarah Lo and her drive and commitment to academic excellence is exactly what we are looking for."

Also joining the women's team next year will be Arica Jacinto. Jacinto is a Phoenix, Arizona native and is a senior at Arcadia High School. Jacinto is coached by Mike Maczuga at the Arizona Marlins Swim Club. Current Tiger swimmer Lizza Igoe and former Tiger Chrissy Frieh both swam for the Arizona Marlins. Jacinto will be a vital addition to the MU squad as she is a very versatile athlete, able to swim freestyle, backstroke and butterfly events. Jacinto's best times are a 53.2 finish in the 100 freestyle, 1:51.3 in the 200 freestyle, 57.3 in the 100 backstroke and 58.8 in the 100 butterfly.

Hoffer on Jacinto: "We know that Arica is a versatile swimmer and with the added depth that she provides, we will look to her to help us win meets."

Travis Floyd has agreed to join the Missouri men's swim team next year. Floyd is a Midland, Texas native and attends Midland High School. Floyd is a member of the City of Midlands Aquatics team and is coached by Ted Carsons. Floyd's best times include a 51.2 finish in the 100 backstroke, 1:52.3 in the 200 backstroke, 1:53.3 in the 200 IM and 4:06.0 in the 400 IM.

Hoffer on Floyd: "Travis is a very unique athlete and we feel that he will have an immediate impact on the Big 12 Conference."

Brandon Lee is an Olathe, Kansas native and attends Olathe East High School. Lee is a member of the Kansas City Blazers swim club and is coached by Pete Malone. Lee is a Kansas state champion in the 500 freestyle, 200 freestyle and 100 breaststroke and a high school All-American in the 200 freestyle. Lee was named All-Metro Swimmer of the Year in 2003. He has been named to the First-Team All-State team for the past three years. Lee currently holds five school records and has been to the U.S. Nationals twice as a member of an 800 freestyle relay team.

Hoffer on Lee: "Brandon has an outstanding work ethic and attitude that will allow him to become a national level swimmer."

Another Kansas native, Justin Sellers, will be joining the men's swim team next year. Sellers is a Valley Center, Kansas native and attends Valley Center High School. Sellers is also a member of the Wichita, Kansas Swim Club and is coached by Eric Nelson. Sellers' best times include a time of 51.7 in the 100 butterfly, 1:52.3 in the 200 butterfly, 1:45.9 in the 200 freestyle and 4:44.4 in the 500 freestyle.

Hoffer on Sellers: Justin is an outstanding student-athlete who will fill a great need in the butterfly events."