Sept. 18, 2005

COLUMBIA, Mo. - In the sports world, the thought of rebuilding is so hated it might as well be a four-letter word. To have to rebuild means your talent is gone, the cupboard is bare and you are in for a long year. Missouri head coach Brian Hoffer may seem to be in that position, given the loss of a decorated group of seniors. Appearances are deceiving, though, as Hoffer prepares not to rebuild the Tigers, but to reload them.

"We lost seven seniors from last year's team who knew how to win and were instrumental in our dual meet success," he said. "We knew it was going to happen - that they were all going to be gone - so we went out and got the best recruiting class we've ever had here at Mizzou. We've always had people step in and pick up where a graduated senior left off, and that's what we're looking for this year."

Returning to guide the younger athletes and make sure the reloading process goes as planned this year for the Tigers is a talented group of veterans led by senior co-captain Liz Schoborg, the school record holder in the 100 fly. Junior co-captain Amy Charley and classmate Shannon Hogan give the team a nucleus with proven success. Sophomores Jill Bastien, Sarah Menefee, Taye Patterson and Katie Gates all saw extensive action last season and will be counted on to provide victories and leadership to a young team.

"We need our veterans to step up and swim well this year," Hoffer said. "They have to step up and challenge the person next to them, or we're not going to be a very good team. We could be extremely good in some events if our older girls swim up to their ability."

While the success of the upperclassmen is vital to Mizzou's success this season, Hoffer knows that the Tigers' goals depend somewhat on the 12-girl recruiting class that enters the program this year. Lauren Cox, a Phoenix native, headlines the group and will provide an immediate impact in the free and the back, as will Texas product Jill Granger in the longer free events. Oklahoma native Lori Halvorson brings versatility to the table, Columbia native Carly Sullivan can challenge school records in the 1000 free and Canadian diver Kendra Melnychuk provides international success and experience in pressure situations.

"These girls are all talented, it just depends on who can put it together mentally and physically throughout the year," Hoffer said. "The ones that do are going to be a tremendous asset for us. There will probably be one or two of these girls - and I don't know which ones yet - that are just going to come in here and rock, and it might be someone unexpected. Each member of this class has that potential."

Sprint Free

Hogan, Gates and Patterson lead the team in the sprint free, and will be counted on week after week for strong swims. According to Hoffer, the Tigers will be difficult to compete with in these events when the lead trio is on its game. Cox, Halvorson, freshman Allie Bennett and senior Brooke Olson, who Hoffer says will be a key leader because of the three years she has spent in the program, provide support and depth.

Mid-Free

In what Hoffer calls the team's most improved area, the Tigers will send out Cox, Halvorson, Sullivan and freshmen Caroline Bellis and Kirsten David. While young, Hoffer says he is confident that the group can get the job done, noting that Cox has already turned in a 200-free time that bests the school record by a full second.

Distance Free

Hoffer's core group in the distance free events is also a collection of freshmen: Granger, Sullivan and David. This area, according to the Mizzou coach, is another one that is vastly improved and will be vital to the Tigers' success this year. Both Granger and Sullivan have the ability to challenge school records right away, and David provides a quality third option.

Back

With the loss of top-five all-time performer and former school record holder Amanda Morford, Menefee is now the clear-cut number one as far as the Tiger backstroke corps is concerned. The group, Hoffer admits, is a bit unknown after that. Charley and Patterson both have experience in the stroke, as does sophomore Arica Jacinto. Halvorson and Bennett are options here, and Cox has put up solid numbers in the 200.

Breast

With the graduation of school record holder Mariona Costa, the lion's share of the breaststroke duties will fall squarely on Bastien's shoulders in 2005-06, Hoffer says, and he is quick to note that he has no doubt that she is capable of the task. Charley will be tabbed as her running mate to start the season, and a trio of freshmen - Aimee Hukill, Kayla Bowcutt and Erin Yeager - will all make a contribution before season's end.

Fly

When healthy, Schoborg is one of the best butterfliers in the Big 12 Conference, and the Mizzou record holder in the 100 fly will be counted on for some big swims in her final campaign. Bennett is expected to step in and make an immediate contribution in this area, and senior Laura Pontecore, whom Hoffer says was the most improved upperclassman of the summer, lends experience to the fly squad. Jacinto, Bellis and freshman Coralie Baumann are also options in these events.

IM

Veterans Charley and Bastien will be looked upon to carry the weight in the IM for the Tigers this season. Halvorson's versatility makes her an option in the event, and Granger can provide depth at the 400. After that group, Hoffer says, the depth is somewhat unknown, though Menefee can step in if need be.

Diving

Senior Nicole Frazier, fresh off a season in which she teamed with classmate Evan Watters to become the first Tiger duo in over 20 years to qualify for the NCAA Championships, is back to lead the Mizzou diving squad. Melnychuk will rely on her international experience to step in and make an immediate impact on the conference and national level. Junior Kim Massaro and sophomore Rachel Witt add depth to a diving squad that ranks among the best in the conference.