Illinois State head swimming and diving coach
Steve Paska recently signed four student-athletes for the 2004-2005 season. The new Redbirds include Caitlin Morgan, Rebekah Layman, Brandy Peak and Erin Woodruff.
All four of these athletes will contribute to the Redbird swim team in a significant way, said Paska. Right now, I have the deepest breaststroke class in 20 years of coaching. I am very optimistic and confident that these four girls will bring depth and quality to the swim team next season.
Morgan, a native of Manchester, Mo., has earned all-state honors for three consecutive years, and is a five-time U.S. sectional qualifier. She holds her high school record in the 200-yard medley relay and the 400-yard freestyle relay. Morgan has participated in various activities including founding the Parkway South Sign Language Club, and working with the St. Louis Deaf Teen Club. As a member of the Deaflympics team, Morgan has traveled to Rome, Italy to compete as the youngest member of the U.S. womens swim team. She took home two silver medals and one bronze. Morgan will travel to Melbourne, Australia in Jan., 2005 to compete in her second Deaflympics. Morgan will continue her studies in Deaf Education.
Her accolades in high school speak for themselves, said Paska. She is a special athlete that is going to go that extra mile and do whatever it takes to become the best student and the best athlete. I am looking forward to working with such a fantastic individual.
A native of Michigan, Layman currently resides in California. Layman holds seven Corona High swimming records, along with being honored as MVP and team captain her junior year. A finalist for the Southern California Junior Olympics, she qualified in the 100-breastroke and the 200 IM. Layman was also recruited by Washington State, Northern Colorado, North Dakota and Illinois-Chicago.
Layman is a 2004 Scholastic All-American who will continue her education in the major of nursing. Academically, Layman is a three-time Mountain View League Scholar-Athlete.
I am very excited to bring a student-athlete with her achievements into the Redbird pool, said Paska. She will contribute to our team in a multitude of events, along with being highly versatile, she will be a perfect fit for Illinois State University.
Peak has also signed on with the Redbirds for the 2005-2006. Peak has been a member of the Club BR Ryall Swim Team since the third grade. She was team captain her senior year, while ranking in the top 20 percent of her class. Peak has earned academic all-conference honors every year, and has served in her church youth group. During the Illinois State Championships, Peak was a top eight finisher along with having a top ten time in the 50, 100, and 200-Yard Butterfly.
Brandy is coming to Illinois State with many swimming accomplishments, said Paska. She will provide us with quality and depth both in and out of the pool. She has a passion to swim and that is what I was looking for during my recruiting process.
Woodruff, a Plainfield Ill. native, attends Plainfield Central and has been a varsity letter winner all four years. She is the Suburban Prairie Conference 100-yard breaststroke record holder. Woodruff holds the record in 7 individual events and qualified for state her senior year in the 200 IM. She is a member of the Naperville Riptides, a club team from Naperville.
Woodruff plans to major in physical education. She is a member of the National Honor Society and has been a Key Club Member for two years.
I am very impressed with how Erin tackles the everyday life of a student-athlete, said Paska. She is a very versatile swimmer who will contribute significantly to our team. Erin has her priorities in order and a unique passion for this sport.
The Redbirds will travel to Akron, Ohio to compete in the Giant Eagle Zips Invitational at Ocasek Natatorium on Dec. 3 at 11 am.
