Swimming and Diving Sign Four Standouts
April 30, 2007 | Swimming & Diving
April 30, 2007
Four swimmers signed National Letters of Intent with the University of Louisville swimming and diving team with Anne Chambers, Kristi Eramo, Shane Lichtenberg, and Jordan Wessels continuing their swimming careers as Cardinals for head coach Arthur Albiero.
"These athletes have no doubt that Louisville is the place they want to be. They did their homework, waited through the first signing period and we are thrilled to add them to the squad," said Albiero. "I am excited about this group because they continue to add to the mix of the kind of athletes we want here at the University of Louisville -- the best of the best. This class is ready to make waves."
Anne Chambers, a breaststroker from Russellville, Ky. and Greater Bowling Green Swimming will be joining the Cardinals' elite breaststroke group. Anne attended Russellville High School and is a great in-state addition to the squad. She was the top senior 100 breaststroker at the Kentucky High School State meet this past February and will also add depth in the 200 breaststroke where she has previously posted a 2:22.59.
"Anne brings enthusiasm and hard work to the team. We are looking forward to helping her reach her potential" said Albiero.
Another breaststroke specialist joining the team is Ohio High School State Champion, Kristi Eramo from Westerville, Ohio. Kristi attends DeSales High School and also swims New Albany Aquatics Club with Coach Brad Burget. She just competed at the USA Swimming Spring Championships. As a 4.0 student, Kristi is thinking about majoring in Biomedical engineering. Kristi will bring her speed to the Cardinal relays as a breaststroker. Her relay split at Ohio State meet, 28.79, was one of the fastest splits in the country posted this year.
"Kristi's improvement over the last year is amazing!" said Albiero "Kristi adds a lot, we are not sure where she will be best yet, but we're sure she's got a great future."
On the men's side, the Cardinals added Shane Lichtenberg from Clarkston, Michigan where he swam for Jeff Copper and Oakland Live Y'ers. Lichtenberg is considered to be one of the top three distance freestyle prospects in the county this year. He was runner up at the 2007 NCSA Junior National Championship in the 500, 1000 and third in the 1650. Posting times 4:27.89 in the 500, 9:10.02 in the 1000 and 15:18.80 in the 1650. Shane's mile is the third fastest mile in the country this year, and has been selected as for the NCSA All-Star Team that will take part in international competition later this summer. A strong student, Shane is also interested in studying biomedical engineering.
"Shane is a very versatile student -athlete, and a great competitor. I am really looking forward to working with him and helping him achieve his goals. He has some lofty goal and with his work ethic, and imagination, I strongly believe he will get there. His addition to our team means a lot in the distance events, and he will have an immediate impact in the conference." said coach Albiero.
Jordan Wessels, from Dike Iowa, New Hartford High School and swam for Blackhawk Area Swim Team for Coach Nick Lakin. Wessels brings experience in the sprint and middle distance events, along within the 200 IM. This past year, he was runner up at the Iowa High School State Championships in the 100 freestyle and also a major player on his high school relays. Another strong student, Jordan is looking to major in business/computer information systems.
"Jordan loves relays and that is always exciting. Relays take an individual sport like ours, to the highest team level." "Jordan is dedicated, hard working, and excited about the sport; that is exactly what we want," said Albiero.
