Jan. 7, 2008

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue has enjoyed a great history of breaststroke swimmers, beginning in the mid 1990's with Vilmos Kovacs.

After Kovacs, came Tamas Bessenyei who was followed by Giordan Pogioli, who was then preceded by Aaron Koger. All of these individuals are among the fastest in Purdue history and have combined to collect a number of conference and national citations.

Next to join this impressive list could be incoming recruit Wyatt Hodges of Columbia, Mo.

"Wyatt is an exemplary student-athlete," said head coach Dan Ross. "We expect Wyatt to add strength in the breaststoke events, especially in the 200 where he was ranked as the ninth fastest 17 year old in the nation."

A four-year honor student at Rockbridge High School, Hodges' best times include a 2:03.12 in the 200 breast and a 58.13 in the 100.

Hodges has qualified for three state meets, where he recently earned All-America status in the 100 breast following a runner-up finish. He also won the 2007 state title with the school's 200 medley relay.

As a junior, Hodges made the all-state team in both the 100 breast and 200 individual medley.

Hodges career with the Columbia Swim Club also received a boost in 2007 as he won his first sectional title in the 200 breast in addition to qualifying for junior and spring nationals. His club later honored Hodges with its leadership award.

Hodges, who chose Purdue in part for its great engineering program, intends to major in civil engineering.

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