Clemson Swimming & Diving Adds Seven New Members

Nov. 21, 2006

Clemson, SC- The Clemson Swimming and Diving teams continue to reload their programs as Coach Chris Ip inked seven new members for the upcoming 2007-08 season. Ip is excited about what the new members will bring to the team, and thinks that all of them will have an immediate impact when they get here in the fall.

“I am really excited about the additions we have made for both our teams. The people that we have signed so far are going to be able to come in and score right away at ACC’s. All of the people that signed fit the mold of our team and it’s philosophy. They can all come in and fill the gaps that will be left after this season, said Ip.”

On the men’s side, the Tigers will welcome the additions of David Gordon and Joe Knecht. Gordon is from Macungie, PA and will be an impact player right away. A state champion in Pennsylvania in the 500 freestyle as a junior, Gordon hails from the same team as current Lady Tiger star Cassy LaRussa. Gordon will be expected to range from the 200 freestyle and up, to the 200 butterfly. Knecht (Kensington, MD) also shares Tiger ties, as he is from the same team as current Clemson swimmer Daniel Mengering. Knecht is mainly a 100 and 200 butterflyer, and will fit in nicely for Ip’s team.

For the Lady Tigers, Ip needed to fill the void that will be left by the seniors, so he went and signed five new freshman for next season. Sarah Smith is a distance swimmer from Cincinnati, OH that will come in and compliment the great distance program Ip already has in place. Cecily Shaw (Matthews, NC) is a product from Mechlanburg Aquatics that will add to the already deep backstroke group for Clemson. Elizabeth Savage (Irmo, SC) will help Clemson in the 100 and 200 breaststroke, and also the 400 IM. Ip has made it a point to go get the best his own state, and feels that Savage fits that category. Finally, Ip went up to Virginia and stole a pair of teammates away from the Cavaliers and Hokies. Meggie Mizelle (Rockville, VA) and Eleanor LeClaire (Richmond, VA) both swim for the same program, but will come in with high expectations. Mizelle is a 200 butterfly and mid-distance freestyler, while LeClaire is a hybrid backstroke-butterfly swimmer.

All in all, the 2007-08 season is already looking bright for both Tiger teams.