Swimming: WVU Signs Pair of Australians
May 28, 2009 09:34 PM | General
By Grant Dovey for MSNsportsNET.com
May 28, 2009
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – West Virginia University swimming and diving Coach Vic Riggs has announced the signing of Danielle Redman and Hugh Simmonds to join the 2009-10 recruiting class.
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| Danielle Redman |
Redman, a native of Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, has been only swimming full-time for the past three years, but is expected to compete immediately for the Mountaineers.
“Danielle is a very talented swimmer who has a club coach that feels she is only going to get better,” Riggs says. “Danielle’s strength is in the backstroke events and she will contribute immediately in both individual and relay events. I look forward to seeing what she can do at the BIG EAST and NCAA level.”
Redman has been both an age and open national qualifier for the Australian Championships under the direction of Coach Dean Pugh for Aqualogan. She has also been a state medalist.
At the 2009 Australian Age Nationals, Redman finished 31st in the 100 meter backstroke and 30th in the 200 backstroke. In Australia, Redman is ranked 14th and 11th in the 100 backstroke and 200 backstroke, respectively.
“I think this is a great opportunity for Danielle to grow as a person and become a part of the WVU family.” Pugh says. “Danielle has great natural speed and with continued development in both the pool and weight room, I am sure great things await her. I truly believe that WVU and Coach Riggs provide the right environment for Danielle to excel.”
The 2007-08 captain at John Paul College, Redman came in third place in the 50 and 100 backstroke events at the Australian High School Nationals in 2008. She also holds records in both the 50 backstroke and 50 breaststroke. Redman has also been the age champion for the past nine years at John Paul.
“I am very excited to be a part of the WVU swim team. I will certainly try my hardest to perform at my best to help the team and coaches in their endeavors,” Redman says. “After visiting the school in April I was amazed at the facilities available and the friendliness of all the team members who made me feel most welcome.”
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| Hugh Simmonds |
A native of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, Simmonds has been swimming for both the Anglican Church Grammar School and the East Brisbane Swim Club.
“Hugh brings to WVU a strong mid-distance freestyle, with his best being events being the 200 and 400 meter freestyle. We expect him to compete immediately with the best in our conference,” Riggs says. “Coming off of a successful-long course season in Australia, Hugh is excited about coming to WVU and participating at the BIG EAST and NCAA level.”
At Anglican Church, Simmonds is a five-time high school age champion and holds the school records for the 200 and 400 freestyle.
“I’m very excited by the prospect of becoming a Mountaineer. From my first contact with Coach Riggs and Coach (Kyle) Gallo, along with a number of swimmers, I’ve been very impressed by their enthusiasm and team spirit,” Simmonds says. “Although the move from Australia is a challenging one in many respects, I am really looking forward to being part of such a dedicated team. I am grateful to have been given such an opportunity and am determined to do WVU proud.”
Under Mark Lorrimer at East Brisbane, Simmonds is a five-time national qualifier, national finalist, short course state medalist, state finalist and holds club records in the 100, 200 and 400 freestyle.
At the Australian Nationals this past April, Simmonds finished 18th in the 100 freestyle, 9th in the 200 freestyle and 17th in the 400 freestyle. Simmonds is ranked fourth, sixth and seventh for his age group in those three events, respectively.
West Virginia finished this past season with four NCAA qualifiers and the women placed fifth at the BIG EAST Championships with the men placing fourth. Redman becomes the ninth athlete in the 2009 women’s recruiting class and Simmonds is the fifth male to sign.
