April 30, 2001

LARAMIE, Wyo. -

University of Wyoming head swimming and diving coach Tom Johnson announced today the signing of two student-athletes to national letters of intent to attend the University of Wyoming in the fall of 2001. Here are the signees:

Kristin Lewis, Birmingham, Ala. : Lewis will be reunited with UW head coach Tom Johnson when she enrolls at Wyoming in the fall. Johnson coached Lewis when he was the head coach and program director of the Birmingham Swim League in Birmingham, Ala., from 1994-1997. Lewis, who currently attends Oak Mountain High School, will specialize in the distance freestyle events for the Cowgirls. She is also strong in the 200 butterfly and 400 individual medley events. In 2000 she made Southeastern Swimming's Hall of Fame. Academically Lewis is involved with the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta (a math honor society) and the National Beta Club. "Kristin has steadily improved over the past two years," said Johnson. "We feel like she has much room for improvement and we will look for her to strengthen our distance events. I have known her and her family for a long time. She comes from a great family and we are very happy to have her join us here at Wyoming." Other schools who recruited Lewis were Ohio State, the University of Richmond, Florida Atlantic University and the University of Tampa.

Scott Usher, Grand Island, Neb. : Usher is a two-time Nebraska state champion in the 100 breaststroke as well as a finalist in the 200 individual medley. He earned high school All-American Honors in the 100 breaststroke and was the Midwestern Zone Runner-up in the 100 and 200 breaststroke events. Usher attends and swims for Grand Island High School. He also swims for the Quicksilver Swim Club in Grand Island. "We are going to look forward to Scott strengthening our breaststroke events," said Johnson. "He comes in with times that would be in Wyoming's top five all-time and would have him be a finalist at the Mountain West Conference Championships this past season. We are extremely happy to have Scott join the Cowboy program this fall." Other schools who recruited Usher were Texas A&M and the University of Nebraska.