Huskers Add Class of Eight

Head Coach Pablo Morales and the <?xml:namespace prefix="st1" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"?>Nebraska coaching staff have announced that seven swimmers and one diver have signed National Letters-of-Intent to join the Nebraska swimming and diving team in 2007-08.<?xml:namespace prefix="o" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office"?>

 

The eight-person class hails from seven different states and includes Jess Andrews (Gillete, Wyo.), Mariesa Cloud (Maple Valley, Wash.), Julie Giehl (Boulder, Colo.), Kelsey Gruschecky (West Newton, Pa.), Blaine Hoppenrath (Kansas City, Mo.), Brandie Kavalec (Loveland, Colo.), Meredith Matthies (Wichita, Kan.) and Rachell McClain (Henderson, Nev.).

 

“We are very excited about this class of signees,” Morales said. “They are not only outstanding in the pool and classroom, but also outstanding people who will bring a lot to our program. As a class, it is already quite accomplished, but still demonstrates tremendous potential for improvement. It represents a great start to our recruiting efforts this year.”

 

Jess Andrews (Gillette, Wyo./CampbellCounty)

Andrews, one of Wyoming’s best high school swimmers, is a freestyle and butterfly specialist. She was named the Wyoming Class 4A Swimmer of the Year in 2006 and was also voted the Swimmer of the Meet at the 2006 Wyoming State Championships after winning the gold in the 50 free and 100 butterfly. Andrews received High School All-America consideration.

 

Mariesa Cloud (Maple Valley, Wash./Tahoma)

Cloud is a three-time Washington Class 4A state champion. At the 2006 state meet, she scored the second-highest one-meter score in Class 4A history with a total of 451.85. She received High School All-America honors.

 

Julie Giehl (Boulder, Colo./Fairview)

Giehl competed in Colorado’s largest high school class size (5A) and finished third at the 2006 state meet in the 200 free. For her efforts, she earned consideration for High School All-America honors. She is currently third in FairfieldHigh School history in the 200 free.

 

Kelsey Grushecky (West Newton, Pa./Yough)

Grushecky will be the first Pennsylvania native on the Husker roster since Beth Karaica in 1999-2000. A YMCA National Qualifier, Grushecky was the 2005 Pennsylvania Class AA state champion in the 100 butterfly. She was named a High School All-American in the same season.

 

Blaine Hoppenrath (Kansas City, Mo./Liberty)

Hoppenrath is a middle-distance freestyler from just down the road in Kansas City, Mo. At the 2006 Missouri state meet, Hoppenrath placed third in the 500 freestyle. She is a USA Swimming Scholastic All-American, while competing for her club team, the Kansas City Blazers. She was named the 2005 Most Inspirational Swimmer of the Year.

 

Brandie Kavalec (Loveland, Colo./Mountain View)

Kavalec is a six-time Colorado Class 4A state medalist in the freestyle and backstroke events. At Mountain ViewHigh School, Kavalec holds every school record except the 50 freestyle. She is a U.S. Open and Junior National Qualifier.

 

Meredith Matthies (Wichita, Kan./Kapaun Mount Carmel)

Matthies is a middle freestyle swimmer who recently won the 100 free Kansas state title at KapaunMount CarmelHigh School. The championship helped her to be named a first-team all-state selection. She is also a USA Swimming National Qualifier.

 

Rachel McClain (Henderson, Nev./Coronado)

McClain has earned high honors in backstroke and individual medley events at CoronadoHigh School in Henderson, Nev. She was state runner-up in the 400-IM last year and was named a High School All-American in the 100 backstroke. She is also a Junior National Qualifier.