FORT WORTH, TEXAS (June 12, 2008) TCU swimming and diving head coach Richard Sybesma announced the addition of eight swimmers for the spring signing period on Monday. The eight prep standouts will join four athletes that signed during the fall.
“Last year we signed a large class, but I feel this year’s class has a lot of quality,” said Sybesma. “We think this year’s class can make an impact and elevate us in the conference race.”
Ashley Bolin is one of five swimmers that signed this spring to join the women’s team in the fall. Bolin, a native of Oshkosh, Wis., led her high school to its highest all-time finish of sixth at the state championships this past fall. Bolin posted the best individual showing of fourth in the 200-free at the championships.
“We are excited to get a swimmer of Ashley's caliber at TCU,” Sybesma said. “She
will add quality and depth to our middle distance events.”
Zrinka Korac will join the Purple and White from Zagreb, Croatia. Korac, a freestyle and backstroke swimmer, claimed the Croatian national championship in the 100-free in 2005.
“Zrinka is a true sprinter,” said Sybesma. “One of the things our staff felt we needed to elevate our program was a true sprinter. We are really excited about her potential in American swimming.”
Kelsey Krug will join the women’s swimming team from Austin, Texas. Krug competed on the 200-medley relay team that posted a fourth-place showing at the Texas 5A state championships this past season. Krug will swim in the butterfly and breaststroke events for TCU.
“Kelsey is primarily a fly swimmer, but also has a good breaststroke,” Sybesma said. “She will have a dual-meet impact, as well as a conference-meet impact.”
Jennifer Oster will become the second swimmer on the women’s roster from Englewood, Colo., joining current freshman Brittney Martinez. Oster will look to compete in the backstroke and butterfly events for the Horned Frogs.
“Jennifer has really come on recently with her times,” said Sybesma. “Right now
she is a good depth swimmer in the back and fly events, and we feel she will be
a great college swimmer.”
Lindsey Stevens, a native of Phoenix, Ariz., rounds out the spring signing class
on the women’s side. Stevens will provide much versatility in the freestyle
events for TCU.
“Lindsey will really help our distance program,” Sybesma explained. “She can
swim anything from the 50-free to the mile. Lindsey will be a great swimmer in
many events for the Horned Frogs.”
Edgar Crespo is one of three swimmers to sign with the men’s team this spring.
The Panama City, Panama, product has qualified for the Olympic Games in Bejiing,
China, and has also competed at multiple world championships, Pan-American Games
and South American Games. Crespo will swim in the breaststroke, sprint and
butterfly events for the Horned Frogs.
“Edgar’s converted time would be a TCU record in the 100-breast,” said Sybesma.
“I see him as being a blue-chipper for us.”
Friedrich Grott, from Potsdam, Germany, will compete in the butterfly and
individual medley events for TCU. Grott is a multiple age group champion in
Germany.
“Right now Friedrich would challenge TCU records in the fly events,” Sybesma
said. “He is another blue-chipper who will make an immediate impact for us.”
Scott Smidlein, a native of The Woodlands, Texas, rounds out the signing class
on the men’s side for the Frogs. Smidlein competed on the 200-medley relay team
that posted a sixth-place showing at this year’s Texas 5A state championships.
“Scott will provide depth for us in the 200-fly,” said Sybesma. “His time is
very strong and we think he can be a strong depth swimmer.”
2007-08 Swimming and Diving Signees
Ashley Bolin (Oshkosh, Wis.)
Megan Higginbotham (Cumming, Ga.)
Zrinka Korac (Zagreb, Croatia)
Kelsey Krug (Austin, Texas)
Jennifer Oster (Englewood, Colo.)
Lindsey Stevens (Phoenix, Ariz.)
Kaitlyn Vann (Cumming, Ga.)
Edgar Crespo (Panama City, Panama)
Jack Doran (Spring, Texas)
Friedrich Grott (Potsdam, Germany)
Scott Smidlein (The Woodlands, Texas)
James Thivierge (Redwood City, Calif.)
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