Kaitlin Zaumseil and Erin Livengood have signed national letters of intent to continue their academic and athletic careers as members of the 2003-04 Illinois State swimming and diving team.
Zaumseil, a diver, comes from Boylan Central Catholic High School in Rockford, Ill., and has been a varsity diver for four years. She was a four-year sectional qualifier, a state qualifier her senior season and captained the team every season.
Zaumseil, whose club coach is 1984 Olympic bronze medalist Ron Merriott, has also been a Junior Olympic zone qualifier on both the 1-meter and 3-meter boards. Illinois State diving coach Laura Segerlin feels her experience is what will make her a competitive addition to the Redbird squad.
She stuck out because of her background in diving and being a part of U.S. diving, said Segerlin. She is a leader and that is what I look for, as well as someone who is more disciplined as well and has a passion for the sport of diving.
Livengood is from Richwoods High School in Peoria, Ill., and will be looked upon to contribute in the fly and individual medley for the Birds next season. She was a two-time state qualifier, conference champion in 100 and 200 fly and 200 IM, and her team won sectional and conference titles three consecutive years.
Illinois State head coach
Steve Paska feels Livengood, who plans to major in business, will add depth to his young 2003-04 roster.
She cant wait to become a college swimmer and by swimming the fly and IM, shes going to help us out, said Paska. After going through the conditioning program here, shes going to make tremendous strides at Illinois State.
