Nov. 25, 2002

Miami University head women's swimming coach Dave Jennings announced the early signing of two incoming freshmen to National Letters-of-Intent for the 2003-04 season. Sarah Baumert (Columbus, Ohio/Upper Arlington) and Ashley Seymour (Wilmette, Ill./New Trier) are the first two swimmers to sign with the 2001-02 Mid-American Conference champions.

Baumert enters Oxford as an Ohio High School State Champion in the 100-yard breaststroke and a runner-up in the 100-yard breastroke and 100-yard butterfly. Baumert's Upper Arlington relay teams are two-time Ohio High School runners-up in the 200-yard medley relay which is part of the National Public School Record holding team at a 1:44.74 time.

Baumert is a 10-time Ohio High School finalist along with earning the 2001 Scholastic All-American accolade. Baumert comes to Miami as a seven-time high school all-American and two-time honorable mention all-American.

"Sarah is very gifted individual," said Jennings. "We are eager to work with Sarah during her time as a RedHawk because she brings a great personality and work ethic to our team, as well as, her talent and NCAA Potential. She will definitely make her mark on the MAC and our program."

Seymour comes to Miami as a three-time Illinois High School state champion and one-time runner-up in 400-yard freestyle relay. The 400-yard freestyle relay team is also part of a National Public School Record with a time of 3:26.01. Seymour also swam on the Illinois High School state champion 200-yard freestyle relay team, which holds a National Public School Record with a time of 1:34.54. Seymour is the 2002 Illinois High School runner-up in the 500-yard freestyle, a two-time runner-up in the 200 individual medley and two-time runner-up on the 200 medley relay team.

The high school senior is a 12-time Illinios High School finalist along with a three-time all-American in the 200-yard IM with a top time of 2:04.91. Seymore has earned two-time all-American status in the 100-yard breastroke with a top-time of 1:05.12.

"Ashley is a very versatile and accomplished swimmer, who has the talent to make it to the NCAAs," said Jennings. "We will look to her from the very beginning of her career as a RedHawk to make an impact on our program and the MAC."