Nov. 23, 2009

COLUMBIA, Mo. - The 2010 early signing period for the Missouri men's swimming and diving team began with a bang bringing in one of the top junior divers in the country who also happens to hail from the City of Columbia, along with two swimmers that could impact the Tiger squad immediately.

"These young men are exactly what we were looking for in this early signing period," swimming head coach Brian Hoffer said. "They all wanted to be Tigers, and we feel they will all have a major impact on our program these next four years."

Coming in as the No. 1 Junior Olympic diving recruit in the country, David Bonuchi has been diving at nearby Hickman High School and his potential for great things has been prevalent since the age of 12 when he began diving competitively.

As a member of the Missouri Diving Club, Bonuchi was the 2009 Junior National 3-meter diving champion, platform champion, Junior Pan-Am 1-meter champion, 3-meter third place finisher, platform third place finisher, Senior National platform and synchronized finalist and 2008 Junior World participant.

"David is one of the top up-and-coming divers in the country, and has been one of the area's best athletes," diving coach James Sweeney said. "He has reached the highest level of international competition, and we couldn't be any more thrilled that he chose our program to make the step to the next level."

Hailing from the Steel City, Mark Waugh has qualified for the state meet every year during his high school career, even leading his team to the 2009 Pennsylvania state championship while winning four individual district titles, setting records in the 200 IM, 100 fly and 400 free relay. Waugh is also an eight-time all-American, USA Swimming Scholastic All-American, and has made the cut in both Junior and Senior Nationals in the 200 and 400 IM and 100 and 200 fly.

"We feel like he has the ability to do some damage at the championship level and can't wait to have the opportunity to coach him," Hoffer said.

Rounding out the group is Jason King of nearby Smithville, Mo., who is a member of the Tsunami Swim Club. King has been a Junior, Senior and US Open National qualifier during his high school career, competing in the IM and the fly events. "We've been watching him swim for years now, and are very excited that he chose to be a Tiger," Hoffer said. "He has an efficient technique that makes him very versatile and will help us in a lot of different events."

The Tiger men's squad will return to the pool next Thursday, Friday and Saturday for the Missouri Invite at the Mizzou Aquatics Center.