Feb. 6, 2006

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Missouri seniors Laura Pontecore and Trent Twaddle were named this week's Lathrop & Gage Varsity M Student-Athletes of the Week for their exceptional contributions to their respective athletic teams, combined with their strengths in the classroom and time spent in the local community.

A native of Barrington, Ill, Pontecore is a member of the Mizzou women's swimming team. A secondary education major, she holds a 3.27 grade-point average. This season, Pontecore finished fourth in the 200-yard butterfly against national powerhouse Texas. As a junior, she placed first against Iowa State in the 500 freestyle and finished in the top-20 in the 200 butterfly and in the top-25 in the 100 butterfly at the 2005 Big 12 Championships. On schedule to graduate in May 2006, Pontecore is also an Academic All-Big 12 second team honoree.

Twaddle, a physics major with a 3.50 grade-point average, is a member of the men's golf team at Missouri. In the squad's fall season, Twaddle was tied for eighth after the first day of play at the Missouri Intercollegiate Tournament and tied for 45th after two rounds at the Missouri Bluffs Intercollegiate Tournament. As a junior, Twaddle earned a spot on Missouri's championship roster for postseason play and finished 25th at the 2005 Big 12 Championships. He has been named to the Dean's List three semesters and is a Commissioner's Honor Roll selection.

The women's swimming and diving squad will host the 2006 Big 12 Championships Feb. 22-25 at the Mizzou Aquatic Center. The Tiger men's golf team is in action Feb. 6-7 at the Mercedes Benz Championship in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., and will play at the Matlock Collegiate Classic on Feb. 13-14 in Lakeland, Fla.