Two Prep Swimmers Sign With Rice
11/20/2006 12:00:00 AM | Swimming & Diving
Nov. 20, 2006
HOUSTON - Two prep swimmers with experience at the high school and club levels have signed with Rice and will join the Owls in the fall of 2007, head swim coach Seth Huston announced on Monday (Nov. 20). The Owls' new signees are Ashten Ackerman of Kissimmee, Fla. and Hannah Chura of Bozeman, Mont.
Chura is the Montana Swimmer of the Year who qualified for the Junior Nationals and U.S. Open in four events. She set the high school state record in the 200-individual medley and won a host individual state championships in the IM, breaststroke and freestyle. Ackerman is a Junior National finalist, U.S. Open qualifier and the state of Florida's top swimmer in the 200-yard breaststroke in her age group (17-18 year olds). She is a regional record holder in five events.
"Both swimmers had really good years, qualifying for the Junior Nationals from opposite sides of the country," Huston said. "They already have exceptional achievements in swimming, but it is interesting that both have really been in competitive swimming only a very short time. They are relative newcomers to swimming, but worked to put themselves into the Junior Nationals soon after taking up the sport. Their potential for what they could achieve when they get more experience is very exciting. Their best meets are ahead of them for sure.
"Ashten and Hannah are also outstanding students and they will both be great additions to our program," Huston added. "I am very pleased with the direction our recruiting has taken the last few years. Each recruiting class seems to get better and better."
2007 Rice Swimming Signee Bios
ASHTEN ACKERMAN * Breaststroke/Individual Medley
Kissimmee, Fla. (Osceola H.S. / Swim Orlando)
* Junior National and U.S. Open qualifier
* All-America nominee
* Florida's No. 1 age group swimmer (17-18 years) in the 200-breaststroke
* Five-year state qualifier and regional record holder
* Academic all-America and member of the National Honor Society
Coach Huston said: "Ashten made great improvements as a junior. She has really just begun to focus on swimming and we think Ashten's best times are ahead of her. She will really help us in the breaststroke events. Her current best time would be tops on our team. I also think Ashten's versatility in all strokes will make her great in the individual medley. Ashten's personality will bring a lot of spirit and work ethic to the team."
HANNAH CHURA * Individual Medley/Backstroke
Bozeman, Mont. (Bozeman HS / Bozeman Swim club)
* Junior National and U.S. Open qualifier
* 2005 All-America in 200-Individual Medley
* Speedo Swimmer of the Year (Montana)
* Six-time high school state champion
* Academic all-America and member of the National Honor Society
Coach Huston said: "Hannah is my daughter Hanna's new idol! Hannah brings in an incredible desire to excel and compete with the best. The last couple of years she has literally trained by herself. She can swim any stroke, which will make her a great in the individual medley, and can swim distance events if necessary. Hannah will be a great addition to the team. She is creative, outgoing and very positive. We expect Hannah will be a big contributor in the IM and backstroke. Her best IM times would currently be the best on our team."
