University of Evansville swimming and diving head coach Rickey Perkins has announced the signing of seven additions to the 2010-11 squad, which includes Caitlin Harty, Katrina Kain, Melissa Thurman, Carder LaBrake, Ryan Metzger, Evan Truman and Chris Weisheit.
The seven spring signees will join Daniel Musselwhite and Mallet Reid who signed in the fall.
“With these recruits, we were able to focus on what we wanted for our team,” Perkins said. “All seven of these signees plus the two we signed in the fall will play a major role to help us improve as a team in our conferences.”
Harty will come in and help in the free and fly after four years at Dublin Scioto in Powell, Ohio. An All-American in the 400 free relay, Harty was a two-time all-state and seven-time all-district honoree who helped her 200 medley and 400 free relay teams to school records. “Caitlin is a great girl, and I’m excited about the possibilities for her. She fits right in with the team, and just has a great shot of energy.”
Kain is described by Perkins as “one of the best divers in the state of Indiana,” and he said that he sees her raising the level of the program next year. Originally from Indianapolis, Kain was an All-American during the 2009-10 and 2007-08 seasons at Hamilton Southeastern. Kain finished sixth at the IHSAA State Finals in 2010 and has earned academic all-state honors.
Originally from Fort Mitchell, Kentucky, Thurman was a two-time regional champion and conference champion in the 100 breast for Beechwood High School. Thurman also holds school records in the 100 breast and 500 free. ”Melissa is one of the most versatile swimmers I have ever recruited,” Perkins said. “She swims a lot of different events well. She will definitely be a difference maker for this team.”
LaBrake comes to UE from Cedar Park, Texas, where he was a regional finalist and qualifier in numerous events his junior and senior year. Team captain and Leadership Award winner his final two years, LaBrake was also an Academic All-American and all-district honoree. “Carder is a fantastic distance swimmer, and I can see him getting even stronger here,” Perkins said. “He is a very hard worker, so I’m excited for him to be here.”
Metzger joins the Aces from Barren County in Glasgow, Kentucky, where he was the Kentucky High School Region I Champion in the 100 back and runner-up in the 100 fly. Perkins believes that Metzger will grow a lot at UE and blossom under the program’s system while pushing the team to another level. A YMCA National Qualifier in 2009 and 2010, Metzger was also selected as his school’s Wendy’s Heisman Award winner and academic all-state in swimming and cross country.
A native of New Albany, Indiana, Truman comes to UE after earning four letters at New Albany High School. Truman earned the High Point Award two years in a row and was named team captain. “Evan is a great kid,” Perkins said. “He has tons of potential, and if everything goes right, he could be one of our fastest guys next year.”
Weisheit, from Jasper, Indiana, is a “diamond in the rough” according to Perkins. “I think Chris will develop very well here. He will help this team greatly in sprints.” Four-year letterwinner at Jasper, Weisheit was a state qualifier and two-year captain while earning Most Valuable Swimmer and Outstanding Senior. Weisheit also holds school records in the 200 medley and 400 free relays.
