Dec. 13, 2007

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. - Lewis University swimming head coach Stephen Thompson has received three early commitments for the men's team. Michael Billey (Antioch, Calif.), Tim Neichter (Louisville, Ky.), and John Sommer (Lansing, Ill.), each signed a National Letter of Intent to join the Flyers' class of 2012.

"By signing these three swimmers, we are closer to fielding a full men's roster for the first time in school history. They also fill a void that we have in our butterfly events, giving us three potential scorers at the GLIAC Championships. More importantly, these young men respect the privilege of representing Lewis University, and they are excited to help our team challenge for championships," head coach Stephen Thompson said.

Swimming for Coaches Ray Mitchell and Paul Stafford at the Terrapins Swim Team (USA Swimming Gold Medal Club) in Concord, Calif., Michael Billey comes to Lewis having competed at the 2007 USA Swimming Junior National Championships. He also attends De La Salle High School, where he most recently received the team's MVP award. Billey is also the Chairman/President of the Teen Board for the Contra Costa and Solano County Food Bank. He intends to major in sports medicine.

"I chose Lewis University because of the cohesiveness of the team, and the great relationships between the swimmers," Billey said. "I believe and trust Coach Steve's vision, and I cannot wait to swim at Lewis,"

"During my first conversation with Michael, I felt he was destined to be a Lewis Flyer," according to Thompson. "He embraces the traditions of the Terrapin Swim Team, and his attitude and work ethic will be a positive influence on our swimmers. He also believes in the quality education he received at De La Salle High School, and he will serve the mission of Lewis University proudly."

Tim Neichter will be the third swimmer from Louisville, Ky., and the Lakeside Swim Team (USA Swimming Gold Medal Club), joining current freshmen Kevin Coates and Tom Fitzgerald. He is a USA Swimming/Speedo Sectional qualifier. Currently, Neichter holds the 200 freestyle school record at Trinity High School.

"Friends, environment, and swimming are the reasons I chose Lewis," Neichter said.

John Sommer will reunite with former Lansing Swim Organization and Thornton Fractional South High School teammate, Arty Czarobski next year. He holds the 100 and 200 butterfly team records at LSO, and he has 6 school records at Thornton Fractional South High school. He is also the team captain, and a 4 year varsity letter winner.

"I chose Lewis University because of the warm atmosphere, personalized attention each student receives, and the beautiful campus," Sommer said. "Coach Thompson has great determination and a vision to make the most of his swimmers as a team."

"I am encouraged when we can attract swimmers who are familiar with our program through their former teammates," said Thompson. "With that being said, John and Tim are individuals who will benefit our program, and I am excited about their potential to develop into strong contributors at the GLIAC Championships."

The Flyers return to the pool on Jan. 4-5 at the Indianapolis Invitational.