July 13, 2005
COLUMBIA, Mo. -
Missouri head swimming and diving coach Brian Hoffer has announced the addition of two student-athletes to the 2005-06 recruiting class, bring the number of male freshman to 13 and rounding out one of the best classes in the program's history. Israeli Gilad Kaufman and South African sprinter Bryan Difford add international experience to a class that already boasted five state champions and a combined 22 All-Americans.
"These two young men, added with the 11 who've already signed, complete a very exciting class," Hoffer said. "They both have extensive international experience that's prepared them to race against elite competition. Our staff is looking forwards to coaching this class in the new facility as we embark on a new era of Mizzou swimming."
Kaufman, a native of Natania, Israel, is the captain of the Israeli Junior National team. He is a three-time Israeli national champion and holds five of his country's Junior records.
"Gilad is one of the top butterflyers overseas," Hoffer said. "I feel that he will help us immediately in both the butterfly and sprint free events. He's also very focused on academics, and he exemplifies what being a student-athlete is all about."
A Craighall, South Africa, native, Difford adds vast international experience to the Tiger squad. The two-time South African Junior Team member placed ninth in both the 50 and 100 free at the most recent Fina World Cup Championships.
"Bryan is one of the best young sprinters in South Africa," Hoffer said. "In addition to the sprint free, he'll provide us with versatility in dual meets by contributing in the butterfly, IM and relays."
Kaufman and Difford add to a corps of five current Tigers hailing from outside the United States. Senior Chris Lukas and freshman Allie Bennett are from Ontario, senior Aaron Wionzek and freshman Kendra Melnychuk are from Saskatchewan, and sophomore Taye Patterson is from Quebec. Difford is the countryman of former Tiger swimmer Belinda Wood, who is a native of Western Cape, South Africa.
