SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. - The Shippensburg University swimming program has announced the signing of three swimmers to National Letters of Intent.

Current high school swimmers Julia Brownrigg (Mechanicsburg, PA), Kara Keenan (Malvern, PA) and Eric Naylor (Dover, PA) will be attending Shippensburg University beginning in the fall 2009 semester.

“I couldn't be happier with how our early signing went this year,” said coach Tim Verge. “While not big in numbers, the three individuals we signed are outstanding people and I am thrilled that they chose Shippensburg to help them continue their development as people, students and athletes.”

Brownrigg, who attends Cumberland Valley High School, has been a PIAA State and YMCA National Qualifier. 

“Julia is just starting to scratch the surface of what she is capable of,” Verge said. “She sort of burst out of the bubble last year at YMCA Nationals and will be turning some heads this season more and more. We are so lucky to have her. I have no doubt that she will be one of the top backstroke swimmers in our conference right away as a freshman and has the ability to qualify for nationals.”

“She swims for Mike Gobrecht at WSY, the same club as Eric Naylor, so I know she knows how to handle being an elite level athlete,” Verge said. “I can't wait to start working with her.”
 
Joining Brownrigg as a teammate next year will be Keenan, who attends Great Valley High School. She too has been national level competitor.
 
“Kara is kind of like Julia - she sort of popped out of the shadows at YMCA Nationals last year,” Verge said. “Her time in the 1,650-yard freestyle there is only tenths of seconds off our national cut. She also has tremendous versatility and range, her 400 IM time is already under our school record. She is going to be an impact swimmer in many events at our conference meet and will give us a much-needed boost in distance freestyle and IM events.”

“Glen Neufeld at Upper Main Line YMCA has produced such great swimmers over the years and I know he will prepare Kara for the challenges here at the collegiate level. It is going to be so much fun coaching her.”

The lone male signing is Naylor, all-around talent from Dover High School who was a PIAA finalist and YMCA national qualifier as well.

“Eric is one of the premier all around swimmers in the state.” Verge said. “In all seriousness, there isn't really anything he can't swim well. His times in about 6-8 events would place among the Top 5 in our conference championships and I believe he will make a serious run at the NCAA national cuts.”

Already a three-time high school All-American, Naylor will be ready for the next level.

“He knows how to train hard and has some great technical background from his coach Scott Zacharda,” Verge said. “My biggest concern with Eric will be where to swim him. I know will be able to do anything we ask him to. That is a problem I am excited to have for the next four years.”

“It is such an exciting group. They have wonderful families supporting them and I am honored they've entrusted us with helping to guide them,” Verge said. “They will make an immediate impact on our program and help us to continue our tradition of excellence.”

RECRUIT CAPSULES:

Julie Brownrigg
Mechanicsburg, PA/ Cumberland Valley HS
Back

Best Times:
100 Backstroke – 1:01.31
200 Backstroke    2:10.00
200 IM             2:15.54

Personal: Full name is Julia Marie Brownrigg… born November 15, 1991… is the daughter of Geoff and Karen Brownrigg… currently undeclared with her college major…has a sister, Megan, who attends West Chester. 

Kara Keenan
Malvern, PA/Great Valley HS
Free/IM

Best Times
500 Freestyle – 5:08.28
1000 Freestyle – 10:35.14
1650 Freestyle – 17:32.45
400 IM –  4:38.89

Personal: Full name is Kara Michelle Keenan… born January 8, 1991… is the daughter of Richard and Alice Keenan… plans to major in education.

Eric Naylor
Dover, PA/Dover HS
Fly/ Back/ IM

Best Times:
100 Backstroke -52.63
200 Backstroke – 1:56.49
100 Butterfly – 51.44
200 Butterfly – 1:56.18
200 IM                 1:57.54
200 Freestyle – 1:45.40

Personal: Full name is Eric Michael Naylor… born April 11, 1991… is the son of Mike and Sue Naylor…plans to major in secondary education… his brother was a county and district champion in the 200 medley relay.