UWM Women's Swimming and Diving Signs Nine Top Recruits for 1999-2000 Season

May 5, 1999

MILWAUKEE - Quality and depth describe the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee women's swimming and diving recruiting class, announced by Head Coach Dave Clark. Nine student-athletes have signed to join the Panthers next season. "We replaced eight graduating seniors with some excellent talent," said Clark. "This is our biggest and best recruiting class ever. We really shored up some weaker spots, and in the case of diving, we really added strength to a solid event. I expect a number of freshman as well as varsity records to be broken, some possibly by more than one person." Among the recruits are the WIAA Division 1 state champion and runner-up in diving this past season, as well as a pair of swimmers whose high school times would have qualified them for three event finals at the MCC Championships.

Erin Hallen (Middleton, Wis.-Middleton) was the Division 1 runner-up in 1-meter diving at the Wisconsin State Championships last season. She was an All-State selection and a Division 1 Diver of the Year nominee.
"She's a great diving talent," said Clark. "She should really excel with year-round training. She has the talent and work ethic to really make an impact in our conference."

Jessica Brokaw (Lakeville, Minn.-Lakeville) was a state finalist in 1997 in both the 200 and 500 freestyle at the Minnesota State Championships.
"She's a great all-around swimmer who can do anything from the 200 free to the mile as well as a solid 400 IM," Clark said.

Jenna Raymond (Shorewood, Wis.-Shorewood) was a Wisconsin Division 2 state finalist in the 500 freestyle the past two years. She helped lead the team to three state championships while at Shorewood.
"Jenna will really help shore up our distance events," said Clark. "Her strengths are in the longer events. She really didn't get to shine in high school, but will have the opportunity to do so here."

Jenny Theis (Chaska, Minn.-Chaska) was a three-time Minnesota high school state finalist in both the 100 backstroke and the 200 IM. She earned All-America Consideration honors in the 100 backstroke in each of the last two seasons. Her high school times would have qualified her for three event finals at the MCC Championship.
"I expect Jenny to make a great impact on our team and our conference," said Clark. "She should battle for relay positions from the start."

Beth Watt (Waukesha, Wis.-West) has been a Wisconsin high school state finalist the last two years in the 100 fly. Last year she was also a finalist in the 50 free. She was an All-State selection in the 200 Medley and the free relays in 1998 and an All-State selection in the 100 fly, 200 medley and the 400 free relays in 1999. Her high school times would have qualified her for three event finals at the MCC Championship.
"She has greatly improved the last few years and I suspect that trend should continue here," said Clark. "She should be a key person in our relays."

Elizabeth Schleis (Green Bay, Wis.-Southwest) was a WIAA state finalist in the 50 and 100 freestyles in 1998. In 1997 she qualified for state in the 100 and 200 free. "She is a very raw talent," said Clark. "Elizabeth has great starts and with her work ethic, she should help us from the 50 to the 200 frees."

Jenny Behr (Wauwatosa, Wis.-West) was a Wisconsin high school finalist in the 50 and 100 freestyles at the 1998 Division 2 meet. Behr was named All-State in the 200 free relay in 1999. "Jenny has made solid improvements the last few years. She has great size and a real will to succeed," Clark said.

Shelly Matthais (Sheboygan, Wis.-South) was a state qualifier in 1997 at the WIAA state meet in the 50 free. "Shelly is such an extremely raw talent. It's exciting to think of the possibilities," said Clark. "With year-round work she should become a solid addition to our program."

Krystina Herzog (Racine, Wis.-Horlick) was the Division 1 state diving champion this past season. She was a two-time All-State selection and earned the 1999 Diver of the Year award. "As her Diver of the Year award proves, Krystina is a great talent from a solid program," said Clark. "She should really excel with year-round diving."