TCU Announces Fall Recruiting Class
11/26/2008 12:00:00 AM | Swimming and Diving
Nov. 26, 2008
FORT WORTH, Texas - TCU swimming and diving head coach Richard Sybesma announced the Horned Frogs' fall signing class Wednesday, adding eight swimmers.
"I'm excited about this class and where it can help us," said Sybesma. "We feel that this group will really be able to improve our program in and out of the water."
Ali Berry is one of five swimmers that committed to join the women's team in the fall. Berry, a native of Houston, Texas, swims at Lamar High School and will compete in freestyle events for TCU.
"We are excited to get a swimmer of Ali's caliber at TCU," Sybesma said. "She had a great summer and if she continues to get faster, she can really help our program."
Mary O'Sullivan will join the Purple and White after spending the last two seasons at Indian River Community College in Vero Beach, Fla. The Brockton, Mass., native helped lead Indian River to its 27th consecutive women's National Junior College Athletics Association (NJCAA) Championship in 2008.
Sabine Rasch, a Luckenwalde, Germany native has competed at multiple major championships, including the 2008 FINA World Cup in Berlin, Germany and German Nationals. Rasch will swim in the sprint and butterfly events for the Horned Frogs.
"Sabine is a true sprinter," said Sybesma. "She is extremely fast and talented and we are really excited about her potential."
Madi Rupp will join the women's swimming team from Robinson Secondary School in Fairfax, Va. Rupp was a three-time South Carolina State Champion and Most Valuable Swimmer, as well as a two-time High School All-American for Fort Dorchester High School in Charleston, S.C. Rupp will swim in freestyle events for TCU.
"Madi has had to move quite a bit with her family's military background, but she has excelled wherever she landed," Sybesma explained. "We are excited to have her as a Horned Frog and look forward to her arriving on campus in the fall."
Margaret Smith will make the short trek to Fort Worth, coming from Berkner High in Richardson, Texas. Named the Most Valuable Swimmer in each of the past three seasons for Berkner, Smith reached the Texas High School State Championships as a freshman and a sophomore. A standout for City of Richardson (COR) swim team, Smith will compete in breaststroke and backstroke events for the Frogs.
"Margaret is a real addition in the breaststroke," Sybesma said. "She will be a big help and coming from the Metroplex, she should be able to swim in front of her family and friends."
Laszlo Gyurko will be enrolling in January and joining the Frogs this season. The Szekszard, Hungary product has international experience and is looking to make a direct impact to the program this spring.
"Laszlo is a big addition to our club this season," Sybesma said. "He's a tremendous swimmer, adding quality times to our sprint events and creating depth in our relay squads."
Nelson Head, a native of Tulsa Okla., should provide support for the Frogs in the backstroke events. The newcomer currently swims for Union High, as well as for Swim Tulsa, with solid personal times in the 100- and 200-back.
"Nelson has been successful at the state level in Oklahoma," Sybesma explained. "If he can come in ready to go in August, then he should be able to help the Frogs."
Ross VanAllen is one of three swimmers to sign with the men's team this fall. VanAllen comes to TCU from North Central High in Indianapolis, Ind., with individual honors in and out of the pool. VanAllen was tabbed as a Scholastic All-American in 2007 and 2008, while also being named a three-time High School All-American in the 200-free, 200-free relay and 400-free relays, as well as an All-American consideration in the 500 Free in 2008.
"Ross will give us added depth into our distance events and we are excited for him to come to TCU," said Sybesma.
2008-09 Swimming and Diving Signees
Ali Berry (Houston, Texas)
Laszlo Gyurko (Szekszard, Germany)
Nelson Head (Tulsa, Oklahoma)
Mary O'Sullivan (Brockton, Massachusetts)
Sabine Rasch (Luckenwalde, Germany)
Maddie Rupp (Fairfax, Virginia)
Margaret Smith (Richardson, Texas)
Ross VanAllen (Indianapolis, Indiana)
Players Mentioned
