Pirates Sign Four During The Early Period
December 07, 2009 | Swimming & Diving
Dec. 7, 2009
GREENVILLE, N.C. --- The East Carolina swimming and diving team has received a National Letter-of-Intent from four prep student-athletes head coach Rick Kobe announced Monday. Amit Bechar, Noam Bechar and Anna Gibas will join the women's team while Mark Gaston will be a member of the men's squad next season.
"This is perhaps the fastest class that we've ever signed during the early period," said Pirate head coach Rick Kobe. "All four of them have posted some very fast times in their events and are each potential record setters and Conference USA champions."
Twin sisters from Israel, Amit and Noam Bechar both earned medals at the 2009 Maccabiah Games. Amit captured two gold medals winning the 200-yard butterfly and 400-yard IM. She was also the 2009 Israeli champion in the 800-meter freestyle and 400 IM. Noam was awarded the bronze medal in the 200-yard backstroke at the games.
Gibas, a native of Latrobe, Pa., is a former state champion in the 100-yard backstroke. As a sophomore she earned All-America honors in the 50-yard freestyle and 100 back. She is also and eight-time YMCA National Qualifier.
Gaston, the lone signee for the men's team, was a Junior National Qualifier in the 50 and 100-yard freestyle. A native of Louisville, Ky., Gaston is a four-time high school All-America performer.
The Pirates return to dual meet competition January 1 with a tri-meet against Loras College and Northern Colorado in Jupiter, Fla.
