Courtesy: JMUSports.com

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HARRISONBURG, Va., Jan. 17, 2011 – James Madison swimming and diving coach Samantha Smith announced the signing of 10 student-athletes who will join the JMU program for the 2011-2012 season.

“We are really excited about the group of girls coming in next season,” Smith said.  “We are losing a very talented, large and experienced senior class, so it was important for us to sign the right collection of incoming freshman.  I think we accomplished that goal with these early signings.  We addressed our areas of need and improved the overall quality of our team.”

The newcomers join a team that is on the rise in the CAA, having show improvement in each of the last four seasons.  The 2010-2011 Dukes are off to an 8-3 start in double-dual meets after finishing third in last year’s CAA Championships.

The 10 incoming freshman includes two divers while the eight swimmers are a balanced mix between all events and distances.

“All of these swimmers and divers are very talented athletes and successful students,” Smith said.  “They loved the school, fit in well with our team, and will make immediate contributions.”

The 10 newcomers will offset the loss of eight seniors from this year’s team, including five that own individual school records.  Those eight seniors will be honored this Saturday prior to the team’s home meet against Towson and Loyola (Md.) at Savage Natatorium.

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