UB Swimming and Diving Announces 2009-2010 Recruiting Class

The Bulls are set to add 16 student-athletes to their roster

BUFFALO, NY-The University at Buffalo Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving team will add 16 student-athletes to its roster for the 2009-2010 season. Joining the Bulls next season will be eight freshmen women and eight freshmen men, representing nine states including New York, Pennsylvania, California, Michigan, Virginia, Indiana, North Carolina, Ohio, and Minnesota. Head Coach Andy Bashor says, " "We are extremely happy about his year's recruiting class and the different areas of the country we were able to recruit. It is one of the best and deepest recruiting classes that have ever entered UB. We have men and women that already have faster times than our school records so they will make an immediate impact on our team and in the conference. Many have the ability to become top level swimmers in the conference and eventually on the national level. We are in the process of building a conference winning team and with this year's class and the success from last season, we are well on our way."

Joining the Bulls next season:

Josh Meints (Oakley, CA/Freedom High School) is a U.S. Open and Junior National qualifier who swims for the Pleasanton Seahawks and Freedom High School. He is the California High School (CIF) North Coast champion in both the 100 breastsroke and 200 IM. In addition to his success at the CIF Championships, Josh finished in the top-8 in 6 individual events including both breaststrokes and IM events at the 2009 Speedo Sectional Championships in Las Vegas. He will be entering UB with faster times than the current school records in the 100 and 200 breaststroke. Coach Bashor on Josh: "We are very excited to have someone of Josh's talent to come to UB. His versatility and ability to swim multiple events and swim on relays is going to make us a stronger team."

Matt Schwippert (East Aurora, NY/Iroquois High School) is a Senior National qualifier who swims for Iroquois High School and STAR Swimming. As a senior, he was the New York State runner up in the 100 backstroke and placed third in the 100 butterfly. Matt was also a multiple consolation finalist at the 2009 Junior National Championships. His 100 butterfly time is already faster than the current school record. Coach Bashor on Matt: "We are extremely excited that Matt is coming to Buffalo. His versatility will show in-season as he will be called upon to swim a variety of events during dual meet season. He will strengthen an already impressive backstroke group and will provide many options for the medley relays."

Matt Hogan (Birmingham, MI/Cranbrook High School) is a Senior National and U.S. Open qualifier who swims for Cranbrook High School and the Birmingham "Y" Blue Dolphins. He is the Michigan State (Division 3) Champion in the 100 freestyle and the 200 IM. He was also a key member of the winning 200 and 400 freestyle relay teams that helped Cranbrook to a second place team finish. His 100 freestyle time ties our current team record. Coach Bashor on Matt: "Matt will make an immediate impact in our sprint group and will swim IM and breaststroke events as well. He has made huge improvements over past year and still has a lot more room to improve."

Cory Zorsch (Rochester, NY/Greece Athena High School) is a U.S. Open and Junior National qualifier. At this year's New York State High School Championships, Cory capped off his senior campaign as the runner-up in the 100 butterfly and a third place finish in the 50 freestyle. Cory will be a contributor in a variety of relays and will add depth in the fly and sprint free events. Coach Bashor on Cory: "Cory's potential is limitless and he will be a major contributor to our men's team. He has the ability for significant improvements during his time at UB and we are looking forward to watching his progression."

Zach Rice (Mason, OH/Mason High School) is a Speedo Sectional qualifier and an Ohio High School State finalist in the middle distance freestyle events. He swims for Mason High School and the Mason Manta Rays. Coach Bashor on Zach: "Zach will contribute in the middle distance & distance free events. He comes from a strong club background so he understands the training that is involved to become a high level swimmer."

Christian Muller (Pine Bush, NY/Pine Bush High School) is a 2009 New York High School State finalist in the 100 breaststroke and is a member of the Pine Bush 200 medley relay team that broke the state record this past season. Coach Bashor on Christian: "Christian has a lot of potential to improve and become a major contributor to the success of the team. He will add much needed depth in breast and sprint free events."

Ryan Smrekar (North Huntingdon, PA/Norwin Area High School) is a Senior National and a two-time Pennsylvania High School state qualifier who swims for Norwin Area High School. He excels in the sprint freestyle and butterfly events. He also has the potential to be a major contributor on the 200 and 400 freestyle relays. Coach Bashor on Ryan: "Ryan will be a great addition to our sprint group and will make our relays stronger. We look forward to watching him continue to improve during his time here at Buffalo."

Paul Garman (Webster, NY/Webster High School) is a 2009 New York State consolation finalist in the 100 freestyle and 200 IM. He is a multi-sport athlete at Webster and his athletic ability has led to quick improvements in the pool. Coach Bashor on Paul: "Paul has the size to become an elite sprinter in the conference. He just needs time to develop. We are looking forward to working with him and watching him reach is potential."

Erin Burke (Raleigh, NC/Leesville Road High School) is a U.S. Open qualifier and YMCA National finalist from Raleigh, North Carolina. Erin placed third in the 500 freestyle and ninth in the 100 butterfly at the North Carolina 4A State Championships and was a member of the State Champion 200 and 400 freestyle relay teams. She already possesses a time in the 200 fly that is faster than UB's current school record. She is a recipient of the UB Presidential Merit Scholarship which is the highest award a student can receive. Coach Bashor on Erin: "We can't wait for Erin to join our team in the fall. She is a very versatile swimmer that will be counted on to make big contributions to the team next year."

Caroline Simmons (Stafford, VA/ Colonial Forge High School) is a U.S. Open and Junior National qualifier in the sprint free events. She placed third in the 50 freestyle and 100 freestyle at the 2009 Virginia AAA High School State Championships in February. Her 100 freestyle time is already faster than UB's current school record. Coach Bashor on Caroline: "Caroline will make an immediate impact in our sprint group and in the conference. She has made big improvements over the past several years and we look forward to helping her continue to swim faster."

Logan Mason (Carmel, IN/Carmel High School) is a U.S. Open and Junior National qualifier who swims for Coach Chris Plumb at Carmel Swim Club. She is the 2009 Indiana High School State Champion in the 200 freestyle, as well as the 200 and 400 freestyle relays. Logan was a member of the Carmel High School 200 freestyle relay that broke the National High School Record this past season. She is also a state record-holder as a result of her team's victory in the 200 and 400 freestyle relays. Coach Bashor on Logan: "We are very happy that Logan has chosen UB. She comes from Carmel High School who has a strong winning tradition, which is something we are striving towards at UB. She will strengthen our middle distance free and fly events while becoming a major contributor at the conference level."

Katelyn Pratt-Collins (Fairfield, OH/ Fairfield High School) swims for the Miami County YMCA Marlins and Fairfield High School. She is a multiple-time Ohio High School State finalist in 200 IM and 100 backstroke, as well as a YMCA qualifier in both backstroke and IM events. Coach Bashor on Katelyn: "We believe Katelyn has a lot of potential and will succeed in college. She has changed clubs and high schools over the past year and we are looking forward to helping her establish a strong and consistent training environment for the next 4 years. She will be counted on in the backstroke and IM events."

Danielle Adank (Maple Grove, MN/ Maple Grove High School) is a Junior National qualifier who swims for The Great Wolf Swim Team and Coach Dave Bentz. She is a multiple-time Minnesota High School State qualifier in the 100 butterfly and 200 freestyle events. Coach Bashor on Danielle: "Danielle has a strong club background and has big improvements ahead of her. The more specific training that Danielle will get at the college level will help her take that next step in the pool. She will make an immediate impact in the butterfly events."

Karly Moore (West Bloomfield, MI; West Bloomfield High School) swims for Birmingham- Bloomfield Atlantis Swim Club. She is a Michigan High School State finalist in the 100 backstroke and 200 IM and a Speedo Sectional Qualifier in multiple events including the backstroke and IM events. Coach Bashor on Karly: "Karly will make an immediate impact and help us to become better a team because of her versatility as a swimmer. We look for her to contribute not only in the backstroke and IM events, but also middle distance free and on various relays."

Emma Miller (Pittsford, NY/Pittsford Mendon High School) is a Speedo Sectional qualifier and multiple-time New York High School State qualifier in the 200 and 500 freestyle events. Coach Bashor on Emma: "We believe Emma has a lot of room for improvement. She is eager to take her training to a higher level and knows that those challenges ahead of her will provide her with a foundation to succeed at the collegiate level. We will look for Emma to contribute in the middle distance events."

Alex Swies (Beverly Hills, MI/ Mercy High School) is a Speedo Sectional qualifier and Michigan High School State finalist in the 100 breaststroke and 100 butterfly. She swims for Mercy High School and the Birmingham-Bloomfield Atlantis Swim Club. Coach Bashor on Alex: "Alex is a very good athlete that will only get faster in the pool. She will add much needed depth to the breaststroke events and is looking to improve in other areas as well. "