July 24, 2008
Contact: Greg Murphy
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Carys Behn (Westville, South Africa/Maris Stella) and Travis Lombardozzi (Merrit Island, Fla./Cocoa Beach Senior) have signed national letters of intent to join the Cleveland State swimming and diving program beginning with the 2008-09 season. Director of Competitive Aquatics Wally Morton made the announcement on Thursday (July 24) afternoon.
In addition, Derek Butts (North Canton, Ohio/Hoover) will also join the program for the 2008-09 campaign.
Behn, who swims the freestyle and butterfly, was an semifinalist at the Olympic trials this summer and was also a national medalist in his age group. In addition, she qualified for the FINA World Cup.
"Carys is the type of swimmer that we want to build out program with," Morton said. "She is an outstanding person and student and is a very elite swimmer who trains year round. We believe she will not only be one of the best swimmers on our team, but will also be very competitive at the conference championship."
A specialist in the butterfly and freestyle, Lombardozzi was a four-year letterwinner at Cocoa Beach Senior High, earning a berth in the state finals this past season.
"Travis brings enthusiasm and a love of swimming to our program," Morton said. "He will make his teammates better because he makes swimming fun. Travis has the ability to make the finals in all of his events at the league championship."
A school-record holder at Hoover High, Butts joins the CSU program after qualifying for the state championships.
"Derek is very valuable to us and is a very good swimmer from Northeast Ohio," Morton said. "We have long admired the Hoover High program and the terrific athletes that go on to be outstanding collegiate swimmers."