NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. – Niagara University swimming and diving head coach Ben Nigro announced Tuesday that Ryan Carroll (Florida, N.Y.), Evinn Drusys (Yucaipa, Calif.), Christina Klebowski (Brook Park, Ohio), Ian O’Rourke (Grand Island, N.Y.), and Elizabeth Piggott (Staatsburg, N.Y.) have signed national letters of intent to swim and dive for the Purple Eagles in 2007-08.

"We have a large class coming in next year on the men’s side and we are only graduating one. I expect us to have a great season and improve within the conference," Nigro said. "We had three guys sign and we will have six walk-on athletes."

O’Rourke is a two-time New York State public school diving champion and winner of the 2006 Federation title. The Grand Island graduate qualified for the first of six state meets as a seventh grader and was named first team All-Niagara Frontier League, all-section, all-state and all-American four times. O’Rourke was also a national, East national and regional qualifier.

"Ian O’Rourke is our top recruit," Nigro said. "He was highly recruited by Big 10 and PAC-10 schools and will make an immediate impact on our team."

Drusys earned all-American honors as part of the 200 and 400 free relay teams from Redlands High School. This year, he placed 11th in the 100 free (47.74) and swam the third leg on the first place and school-record breaking 200 free relay (1:24.96) and third place 400 free relay (3:07.76).

"Evinn just finished his high school championships in California, and his times at that event will place him within the top eight at the MAACs," Nigro said.

Carroll, who helped start the Don Bosco Prep program as a sophomore, was a three-year letterwinner for the Ironmen. The first team all-league pick as a junior holds school records in the 100 backstroke (56.82) and as a member of the 400 free and medley relay, and qualified for the National Catholic Championships in the back. Carroll was team captain as a senior and was honored with the Coaches Spirit Award.

"Ryan will add depth in the backstroke events. His presence will make for great intra-team competition for the relay spots," Nigro said.

Piggott earned first team all-conference, all-section and all-state as a senior at F.D. Roosevelt High School. As a member of the 200 medley relay, she placed fifth in the state meet in 2006 and 14th in 2005. The three-year letterwinner placed 25th in the 50 free (25.12) and 20th in the 100 free (54.42) at this year’s state meet. Piggott holds and is part of five school records, including the 50 free (25.12) and 100 free (54.30).

"Elizabeth will really give our sprints and relays a big boost next year," Nigro said. "She is very close to our school records and we would love to get her name on that list during her career at Niagara."

Klebowski was a four-year letterwinner for Middleburg High School. She set the school record as part of the 200 free relay team as a freshman and was named honorable mention All-Southwest Conference.

Christy will add depth to our backstroke events. Her times put her in the top 12 at MAACs and I expect her to improve and make to top eight," Nigro said.