Three Jayhawk Swimmers to Compete in U.S. Open

July 24, 2008

LAWRENCE, Kan. –

Kansas seniors Danielle Herrmann and Ashley Leidigh as well as freshman Abigail Anderson will compete in the U.S. Open Swimming Championships beginning Tuesday in Minneapolis. The three Jayhawks will compete in a combined six events during the meet, which begins next Tuesday and runs through Saturday, Aug. 2 at the University of Minnesota Aquatics Center.

“Danielle and Ashley are really excited about representing the University of Kansas as well as the Lawrence Aquahawks,” Kansas swimming head coach Clark Campbell said. “We’re also thrilled that one of our freshmen will be able to compete in this national meet. It will be a great way to end the summer and get all three of them excited about the upcoming collegiate season.”

Herrmann, a senior from Itasca, Ill., will be featured in three different events: the 100-meter and 200-m breaststroke, as well as the 200 individual medley. Last season, Herrmann served as a team captain with the Jayhawks and qualified for the NCAA Championships for the second straight year. The senior was named the Tammy Thomas team MVP after breaking 11 school records throughout the year.

Leidigh, a senior from Merriam, Kan., will compete in the 100-meter and 200-meter butterfly events at the U.S. Open. Last season, she placed eighth in both events at the Big 12 Championships. Her time of 54.92 in the 100 fly at the conference championships was the fastest by a Jayhawk during the 2007-08 season.

Anderson, an incoming freshman from Hendersonville, Tenn., will compete in the 100-meter butterfly.

Fans can follow all three Jayhawks at www.usaswimming.org.