May 14, 2003

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - The University of North Carolina men's swimming and diving program wrapped up its 2002-03 recruiting Wednesday with the introduction of seven more recruited student athletes who will join the Tar Heels this fall.

The group includes Robbie Bittner of Beaufort, N.C., Aaron Burns of Sinking Spring, Pa., Jared Kleber of Charlotte, N.C., Casey Kott of Morrisville, N.C., Stewart Norman of Cary, N.C., Adam Schauer of Raleigh, N.C. and Paul Weir of Mamaroneck, N.Y. All seven who committed to UNC in the spring are swimmers. They join swimmers Wade Baccich, Tristan Davidson, Win Chesson and Ben Grafchik as well as diver Jonathan Fox, all of whom committed this past fall.

All in all, of UNC's 12 newcomers in the fall, seven are natives of North Carolina.

Here are brief details on each of the new signees.

Robbie Bittner, Beaufort, NC, Carteret Currents Swim Team, Coach Charlie Gregalis; West Carteret High School - 1:55.77/4:02.14 IM. Brother of Tar Heel Junior, Gena Bittner.

Aaron Burns, Sinking Spring, PA, Wilson High School, Coached by former Tar Heel All-American Scott Troy. - 21.32 Free / 56.56/ 2:07.30 Breast.

Jared Kleber, Charlotte, NC, NOMAD SWIMMING. Coach Steve Billings. Vance High School. - 51.25 Fly.

Casey Kott, Morrisville, NC; Raleigh Swim Association, Coach Dan Flack; Millbrook High School. - 21.07/46.20 Free/ 51.76 Back/ 51.52 Fly.

Stewart Norman, Cary, NC, Woodberry Forest School & Raleigh Swim Association. - 51.65 Fly.

Adam Schauer, Raleigh, NC, Capital Area YMCA, Coach Meredith Griffin; Sanderson High School. - 46.91 / 1:42.23 / 4:38.82 Free / 4:03.35 IM.

Paul Weir, Mamaroneck, NY, Badger Swim Club. Coach John Collins; Scarsdale High School. - 4:31.01/9:20.91/15:31.10 Free.