Nov. 30, 2009

CHICAGO - UIC head swimming and diving head coach Paul Moniak announced the signing of Melanie Waszak (Lemont, Ill./Lemont H.S.), Jared DeGrazia (Park Ridge, Ill./Maine South H.S.), Joel Demuth (Naperville, Ill./Naperville Central H.S.), Josh Jacobson (Edwardsville, Ill./Edwardsville, Ill.) and Woody Lord (Glenview, Ill./Glenbrook South H.S.) to National Letters of Intent during the early signing period.

Waszak, a back and fly specialist, holds a trio of records at Lemont. The west suburban native placed eighth in state in the 100 fly and was the Central Zone Champ in the same event in 2006.

Hailing from Park Ridge, Ill., DeGrazia is both a recent state and Junior National qualifier. He holds the school record in the 100 back, while also competing in the 200 back and 50 free.

A sprinter from Naperville, Ill., Demuth qualified for state as a junior in both the 100- and 200-free, while swimming the leadoff leg of the Huskies 200- and 400-free relay teams.

Jacobson qualified for state in 2009 in the 200 IM as well as the 100 fly, and swam on Edwardsville's relay teams.

A diver from the northern suburbs, Lord put up a top 20 finish as a junior in the state finals last season.