May 6, 2003

Laramie, Wyo. - University of Wyoming diving coach Russ Dekker announced the signing of four student athletes to the UW diving team. Kevin Bretting of Loveland, Colo. and John Lynch of San Antonio Texas will join the Cowboys while Emily Keefer of Stillwater, Minn. and Saara Haapanen of Thunderbay, Ontario will join the Cowgirls.

"Along with the returning Wyoming divers, these four additions will put us at a level where we can compete strongly in and out of the Mountain West Conference," said UW diving coach Russ Dekker. "I am very excited for the fall and can't wait to get the season started."

Kevin Bretting, Loveland, Colorado (Thompson Valley High School)
Bretting comes to UW from Thompson Valley High School where he was an All-State and All-Conference selection all four years of high school. In 2002, he was a First Team All-American selection. As a freshman, he was a Colorado High School State Finalist. He then was the Colorado State Champion as a sophomore and was runner-up as a junior.

"Kevin will make an impact upon arrival," Dekker said. Bretting was also recruited by Southwest Missouri State University, Kenyon College (Ohio) and Drury University (Mo).

John Lynch, San Antonio, Texas (Health Careers High School)
Lynch comes to the University of Wyoming from San Antonio where he was named an All-American in 2001-2002. In 2000, he competed at the US Junior Nationals. He holds the school record on both the 1 meter and 3 meter springboard's at HCHS. He finished first on the 3 meter board at the Aqua America Cup. He competed for the Alamo Aquatics Diving Team in San Antonio.

"John comes to UW with a strong 3 meter list, which is key to an outstanding college career," said Dekker. "I have big hopes for this talented young diver." Lynch was also recruited by Notre Dame, Rutgers University, the University of Minnesota, the University of South Dakota and Clemson University.

Emily Keefer, Stillwater, Minnesota (Stillwater Area High School)
Keefer was a Minnesota All-State selection three times in high school. She was also named a Second Team All-American.

She was a US Junior Zone Qualifier on the 1 meter springboard and the platform.

"She will add great depth to the women's team," said Dekker. "She joins the Cowgirls with a strong background in the sport and will bring nothing but positive things to UW."

Saara Haapanen, Thunderbay, Ontario (Hammars Kjold High School)
Haapanen competed at the Senior National level in Canada for the last two years, which was highlighted by a 16th place finish in the 1 meter springboard competition this past March. She also placed third on the 3 meter springboard at the Ontario Provincials.

"Saara brings great talent to the women's team and will be a great addition to the program," said Dekker. "She just reached the level of competing at the Senior National Level and the sky is the limit as far as this young diver's potential goes."