April 5, 2006

COLUMBIA, Mo. - The Missouri men's and women's swimming and diving teams have yet again been named to the College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) 2006 Academic All-America list, continuing a trend that has seen the Tigers' join the ranks of the nation's academic elite during head coach Brian Hoffer's 14-year tenure.

"Success in the classroom is something that we expect from our swimmers and divers," Hoffer said. "This is a long-standing tradition here at Mizzou, and it's one that we take a lot of pride in. We focus hard on academics throughout the season, and the athletes are made fully aware of what is expected from them in the classroom."

The Tiger men were the only one of the three Big 12 men's teams to earn the honor, ranking 21st with a 3.07 GPA.

The men reached ranked in the top 25 on the strength of 11 Academic All-Big 12 selections, including the third career selections for seniors David Darmitzel and Wade Pennington. Overall, the men placed seven swimmers on the academic all-conference first team and four on the second team.

The Mizzou women were also high on the CSCAA list, placing 31st with a 3.24. The Tigers were one of only three Big 12 teams to make the cut, ranking behind Kansas and ahead of Texas A&M.

During the season, the Mizzou women earned nine first-team Academic All-Big 12 nods and one second-team selection.