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Nine Commit to Swimming and Diving
Sprinters highlight 2005 signers.
May 4, 2005 SALT LAKE CITY - The University of Utah swimming and diving squads will begin their bid for back-to-back Mountain West Conference titles with nine new student-athletes next season. Head coach Michael Litzinger has announced the signing of some of the top athletes in the country to national letters of intent this week. Coming to campus in the fall are Jennifer Fredsall (Kearns, Utah/Kearns HS), Shannon McQueen (Ottwaw, Ontario/John McRae HS), Amber Walter (Kalispell, Mont./University of Maryland), Jennifer Trescott (San Diego, Calif./Rancho Bernardo HS), Anna Braskewicz (Warsaw, Poland), Ricky Nerud (St. George, Utah/Pine View HS), George Evans (Salt Lake City/Skyline HS), Adam Oliver (Colorado Springs, Colo.) and Jeremy Clark (Spring, Texas). Check below for personal bests on each swimmer. Fredsall comes to Utah after ranking among the nation's fastest high school swimmers in the country. She notched the fourth fastest time in the 100 fly and fifth fastest in the 50 free. Moreover, she is also a US National Qualifier in both events. Fredsall was an eight-time high school All-American and is also a Utah state record-holder. "Jennifer's decision to attend Utah is a real coup for us," commented Utah's veteran head coach. "She is one of the fastest high school butterflyers in the country. It is very exciting for us to have Jennifer in our program, and she will certainly help us on our way to the goals we have set on the conference and NCAA levels." McQueen brings national swimming experience to the program as well. She raced in the 200m backstroke at the 2004 Canadian Olympic finals, finishing seventh in the event. She is also a member of the Nepean Kanata Barracudas. "I am very pleased that Shannon has decided on Utah," commented Litzinger. "She has a very strong club background that has stressed versatility and hard training. That fits right into our model at Utah and that will make her a factor right away at the conference level." Walter spent the last two seasons swimming for the University of Maryland, helping the team win the ACC title in 2005. To go along with the team title, she also helped the Terrapins win the 2005 ACC championship in the 200 freestyle relay. She also placed fifth in the 50 free and seventh in the 100 free at the same meet. Walter was three-times named Montana's high school Swimmer of the Year (2000-02). "Amber's commitment to the University of Utah is one that will change the landscape of our sprint program," Litzinger noted. "She brings `big-time' experience with her, which will be a welcomed addition to our already strong freestyle positions." Trescott was a high school All-American in 2004 in the 500 freestyle and the 400 freestyle relay. In addition to her swimming accolades, though, she also attained black belt status in Tae Kwon Do in October of last year. "I am very excited to have Jennifer join our program at Utah," Litzinger said. "She has a great attitude and will help us continue Utah's great tradition in the middle distance events." A diver, Braskewicz joins Marta Stepanczuk as a standout Polish native competing for the Utes. Braskewicz was the Polish National Champion in the 3M and 10M. "Anna will be a welcome addition to our diving program," remarked Litzinger. "Her experience on the international level is very valuable, and will compliment our program's efforts to compete at the highest level." Nerud competed in the butterfly and freestlye at Pine View where he was a six-time 3A Utah state champion. He won three titles in the 100 fly (2003-05), two in the 200 free (2002-03) and one in the 500 free (2002). "Ricky is a great athlete, student and will be a great Ute," said Litzinger. "I am looking forward to having him at Utah, and his best swimming is certainly ahead of him." Another Salt Lake native, Evans had a standout senior campaign. He wrapped up his high school career with 5A titles in the 50 free, 100 free and in the 200 and 400 freestyle relays. He also help his high school squad win back-to-back high school state title 2004 and '05. "George is extremely talented, and his addition to our sprint group will be one that is welcomed," Litzinger said. "His goals are set on the National level and that is what it takes to be successful in NCAA Division I swimming. He will help the Utes compete for MWC Relay titles." Oliver was a Western sectional Finalist in Colorado in the 200 back and 500 free. He is a member of the Air Force Falfins Club, holding its record in the 200 back. "I am very pleased to have Adam join us at the University of Utah," Litzinger said. "He has a tremendous work ethic and certainly has his best swimming ahead of him." Clark competed for the Indian River Community College Pioneers the last two seasons. There, he won the 2004 NJCAA titles in the 500 free and in the 800 free relay. He was an eight-time NJCAA All-American between 2004-05. "Needless to say, Jeremy's presence will be felt immediately at Utah and on the conference level," Litzinger commented. "I really enjoy his enthusiasm and his passion for the sport. Jeremy's experience at the JC level and work ethic will be a welcomed addition to a team that is continually improving." Pertinent Stats -
McQueen:
Walter:
Trescott:
Nerud:
Evans:
Oliver:
Clark:
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