Nov. 7, 2007

COLUMBIA, Mo. - The Missouri men's swimming and diving team (5-1, 1-0 Big 12) broke onto the national scene Tuesday when it earned a No. 23 ranking in the College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) Top 25 Poll. The Tigers' move from "Others Receiving Votes" into the Top 25 represented the largest move upward of any team in the national rankings. This is Mizzou's first ranking since the 2005-06 season when they were ranked as high as No. 20.

"This men's team has really come together and found a way to meet each challenge that has come our way," said Missouri Head Coach Brian Hoffer. "We expect to be one of the better teams in the country and we are realizing that with this ranking."

After dropping their opening dual of the season to now-No. 7 Indiana by a score of 140-102, the Tiger men roared back for a 132-111 victory over conference rival and now-No. 25 Texas A&M a week later.

The men are also coming off their second consecutive sweep at the Mizzou Dual Challenge this past weekend. Mizzou defeated Southern Illinois and Drury on Friday by scores of 96-52 and 90-57, respectively, and returned the following day to defeat in-state rival Missouri State by a count of 97-51. The Tigers completed the weekend sweep by defeating a tough Virginia Tech squad by a score of 135-108. The Hokies received votes in Tuesday's poll.

On the women's side, the Tigers (6-1, 1-1 Big 12) held strong at No. 20 in the CSCAA Top 25 poll.

Votes for the CSCAA poll were cast prior to the Mizzou Dual Challenge. The next set of rankings will be released in two weeks.

The Tigers return to the pool Nov. 16-18 when they travel to West Lafayette, Ind., to compete in the Purdue Invitational. Stay tuned to mutigers.com for more information leading up to the event.