KIRKSVILLE, Mo. – – Third-year head swimming coach Ed Pretre has announced the signing of five high school seniors to join the Truman State University women’s team for the 2014-2015 season.
The student-athletes are: Kortney Betz (Columbia, Mo.), Jamie Fitzpatrick (St. Louis), Grace Foder (Bartlesville, Okla.) Libby Opfer (Springfield, Ill.), and Nikki Sisson (Springfield, Mo.)
“We have done a good job at adding great depth to our program on the women’s side,” Pretre said. “This year we focused on bringing in high talented swimmers and finished the early signing period with some outstanding girls that are going to make an immediate impact on this team and lead this team back to high national rankings.”
Kortney Betz (Columbia, Mo.) – – Will compete in sprint and middle distance freestyle … has top times of 24.77 (50 Free), 53.76 (100 Free),1:55.50 (200 Free), and 5:07.84 (500 Free).
Pretre: “Kortney has leadership written all over her and she will add great depth to our program. She hasn’t even reached her potential yet, so with her tremendous work ethic, there is no telling what she can do. She will be a big part in helping this team get to the next level.”
Jamie Fitzpatrick (St. Louis) – – Will compete in sprint freestyle … has top times of 24.20 (50 Free), 52.65 (100 Free), 1:53.73 (200 Free), and 59.50 (100 Fly).
Pretre: “There is no limit to what Jamie can do, as she is a great hard working kid with tons of talent. Once she gains some more strength, there is no telling what she can accomplish. She will be a big part of our Freestyle relays in the years to come.”
Grace Foder (Bartlesville, Okla.) – – Will compete in the sprint freestyle, backstroke and butterfly … has top times of 24.69 (50 Free), 52.80 (100 Free), 1:55.33 (200 Free), 57.85 (100 Back), 2:07.09 (200 Back), and 58.78 (100 Fly).
Pretre: “Grace has a lot of potential in so many events. She is a great sprinter and she will have the potential to become outstanding for our program during her four years at Truman. Grace joins Jamie and Nikki as our third sub-53 second 100 freestyler that will have an impact on scoring our relays at the NCAA meet.”
Libby Opfer (Springfield, Ill.) – – Will compete in the sprint freestyle and butterfly … has top times of 24.76 (50 Free), 53.63 (100 Free), 58.93 (100 Fly), and 1:00.03 (100 Back).
Pretre: “Libby is going to help us in the sprint free, fly and back events. I don’t think Libby has ever specialized in any event, so that’s what makes her so intriguing to coach. Once we find her true strength and individualize it, Libby will take her swimming to another level.”
Nikki Sisson (Springfield, Mo.) – – Will compete in the sprint freestyle .. has top times of 23.78 (50 Free), 52.67 (100 Free), and 1:57.75 (200 Free) … was the state champion in the 50 Free at the MSHSAA championships last year.
Pretre: “Nikki has an energetic personality that is going to help our team in and out of the pool. She has tremendous talent and will only continue to get better. Like Jamie, she will be a huge addition to our sprint relays.”
The Bulldog women have five seniors on this year’s roster, including all-Americans Beth Eyanson, Casey Jepsen and Margaux Kent.
“With this strong class, it will almost take an NCAA B-cut next year just to be on the conference team,” Pretre said. “So these signings should set us up to have a very strong NCAA team for many years to come.”
Press release courtesy of Truman State Swimming and Diving.
