Nov. 30, 2004
Columbia, S.C. – The University of South Carolina swimming and diving program has announced the signing of four student-athletes to National Letters of Intent during the Nov. 10-17 early signing period. Amanda Dunnigan (Bel Air, Md.), Kassy Kugler (Brookeville, Md.), Steven Luckie (Columbia, S.C.) and Sharntelle McLean (Port-of-Spain, Trinidad) have all signed with the Gamecocks and will begin competing for USC in the 2005-06 season.
“I’m excited with the signing of these four student-athletes,” said head swimming coach Don Gibb. “They are all great, quality swimmers and have the ability to make an impact when they walk on campus. It bodes well for the future especially on the women’s side.”
Amanda Dunnigan Bel Air, Md. North Baltimore Aquatic Club
– 2004 U.S. Senior National Finalist in the 400 individual medley
– 2004 Olympic Trials Qualifier in 400 individual medley
– Chose South Carolina over Southern California and Florida
Top Times
200 yd breaststroke: 2:16
200 yd individual medley: 2:04
200 meter individual medley: 2:21
400 yd individual medley: 4:21
400 meter individual medley: 4:52
Coach Gibb: “She comes from the same program as U.S. gold medalist Michael Phelps and will be well-prepared for competition. She will be a front-runner in the 400 IM, an area we need help in. I expect her to make an immediate impact as a SEC scorer as well as the NCAA Championships. “
Kassy Kugler Brookeville, Md. Rockville-Montgomery Swim Team
– Member of 2003 U.S. Junior National Team in Australia (earned bronze medal in 200 freestyle)
– 2004 Olympic Trials Qualifier in 200 freestyle
– 2003-04 Washington Post Swimmer of the Year
– Chose South Carolina over Texas, Southern California, Virginia and Auburn
Top Times
50 yd freestyle: 23.3
100 yd freestyle: 50.3
200 yd freestyle: 1:48.8
500 yd freestyle: 4:51.0
200 meter freestyle: 2:03.2
Coach Gibb: “Kassy is very versatile and swims all the freestyle events. A great role player she will be a front-runner in the short freestyle events and make a large impact on our relays. She is a huge addition for our team.”
Steven Luckie Columbia, S.C. Team Carolina
– U.S. Junior Nationals Qualifier in 200 butterfly, 500 freestyle and 1650 freestyle
– Two-time South Carolina state champion in 100 butterfly and 500 freestyle
Chose South Carolina over Clemson and NC State
“Steven is a homegrown talent we are happy to have. Curt Klausner (club coach) is developing kids on Team Carolina to compete at the national level. Steven has an outstanding work ethic, terrific student at Spring Valley HS. In the 200 butterfly, he has only scratched the surface. I think he can score points at the SEC level. I think the new environment will help him as well. He is a very versatile swimmer as well.
Sharntelle McLean Port-of-Spain, Trinidad South East Port of Spain Swim Team
– Competed at 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece (finished in 38th place in 50 freestyle)
– Finalist at 2003 Pan American Games in Santo Domingo, D.R. in the 50 freestyle
– Also competed at 2003 World Championships in Spain, 2002 Commonwealth Games in England and 2001 World Championships in Japan
Top Times
50 meter freestyle: 25.9
100 meter freestyle: 57.9
100 meter butterfly: 1:02.5
“Sharntelle is a world-class competitor and a real explosive swimmer. She is an enormous addition to our freestyle and relay teams. She has some shoes to fill and I expect her to be a big-time scorer for us. The Olympic experience will help her tremendous. She won’t be intimidated.”
