June 6, 2005

BLACKSBURG, Va. - The Virginia Tech swimming and diving program is proud to announce the addition of eight signees, completing its 2005-06 class. The strong group of spring signees include James Aitken, Bert Beucker, Stephanie Daly, Ben Miller, Ben Prue, John Riley, Harrison Simmons and Chris Waldheim.

"We are very excited to welcome these swimmers and divers to our program," head swim coach Ned Skinner said. "Each student-athlete brings strong credentials both in the classroom and in the pool that are important to our program. We have addressed specific needs that were created through graduation and believe that these freshmen will immediately impact our program and the Atlantic Coast Conference."

"I truly feel that with this freshman class of divers, we are making the strides necessary for a strong statement in the ACC," head diving coach Bert Locklin stated. "We are extremely excited to have this group of individuals involved in our program; each one brings a lot with them and will prove to be instrumental in a positive group dynamic."

Aitken, a native of Durham, N.C., comes to Tech from Riverside High School. A versatile threat in many strokes, Aitken will compete in the breast, back and IM. Aitken achieved all-conference recognition and was a state champion. He chose Tech over North Carolina, N.C. State and Penn State. Aitken's career bests include a time of 57.8 in the 100 breast, 2:07.0 in the 200 breast, 52.1 in the 100 back, 1:53.6 in the 200 back and 1:55.4 in the 200 IM.

Beucker, a diver from Export, Pa., attended Franklin Regional High School. He placed sixth during his senior season in the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League Championships.

Daly, a diver from Annandale, Va., comes to Tech from W.T. Woodson High School. She qualified for the AAA VHSL State Championships all four years of her high school career, finishing fourth in 2005 and was the Liberty District Champion her senior year.

Miller, who hails from Reston, Va., will swim distance freestyle for the Hokies. He was a two-time high school MVP and first-team all district at Herndon High School. A 4.0 student, he is a member of the National Honor Society and is a Potomac Valley Scholar Athlete. He chose Tech over Duke and William & Mary. Miller's career bests include a time of 1:44.7 in the 200 free, 4:37 in the 500 free, 9:31 in the 1,000 free and 15:59 in the 1,650 free.

Prue, a native of Trumbull, Conn., attended Trumbull High School. He excels in the backstroke and distance free events. Prue garnered all-state honors twice in the 100 back and once in the 500 free. He won a national championship in the 200 and 400 medley relay events for the Wilton YMCA Wahoos. He is a 4.0 student who chose Tech over North Carolina and Georgia Tech. Prue's career bests include a time of 52.0 in the 100 back, 1:52.2 in the 200 back, 52.9 in the 100 fly, 4:42 in the 500 free and 16:09 in the 1,650 free.

Riley comes to Tech from Oak Ridge, N.C., where he attended Northwest Guilford High School. Riley will compete in the distance free for the Hokies. He was a four-time conference MVP and was also named the Metro 4A Swimmer of the Year in 2004. Riley was considered for nomination to North Carolina's Governor's School and has earned the Academic Achievement Award for marine biology and chemistry from his high school. He chose the Hokies over the Wolfpack of N.C. State. Riley's top times include 1:44.9 in the 200 free, 4:45.3 in the 500 free and 16:33 in the 1,650 free.

Simmons hails from Lilburn, Ga., where he attended Parkview High School. He is primarily a backstroker. Competing for one of the top high school programs in the country, Harrison is an All-American and has been named all-state four times. His father is a Virginia Tech alum. Simmons chose Tech over UNC-Wilmington and Georgia Tech. His top times are 52.9 in the 100 back and 1:54.7 in the 200 back.

Waldheim comes to Tech from Clements High School in Sugar Land, Texas. He owns the school and pool record on one meter. Waldheim is a three-time state qualifier.

These student-athletes will join Ian deToll, Claire Dickey, Lara Beth Elder, Stephanie Jones, Morgan Kowalchuk, Allison Luttermoser, Jordan McHorney and Sara Smith, who all committed to Tech during the early signing period.