The SIU men’s diving team announced Tuesday that it had signed Brandon Birchak to a national letter of intent to join the team next season.

Birchak, who chose the Salukis over Notre Dame, Michigan, Wyoming and Rutgers, was an all-American as a junior at Shaker High School.

A native of Latham, N.Y., the 5-foot-4 Birchak is a two-time all-state performer who won a gold medal at the Empire State Games.

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Track and field opens indoor season

The SIU men’s and women’s track and field team will open its indoor season Friday at the Recreation Center in the Saluki Fast Start Invite.

Field events will begin at noon and running events are set to start at 4:30 p.m.

The non-scored meet will include men’s and women’s teams from Southeast Missouri State, the University of Indianapolis and Lincoln University. There will also be women’s teams from Arkansas and Louisville and the men’s team from Rend Lake.

IBCA announces Hall of Fame class of 2003

The Illinois Basketball Coaches Association has announced the names of 85 individuals and eight teams to the 2003 Hall of Fame class that will be inducted April 26 in Normal.

The list includes three former SIU players Darnall Jones (1979-83), Rick Shipley (1987-91) and Karrie Redeker (1989-92).

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Jones played at East Richard High School in Olney, Shipley starred at Centralia High School and Redeker played at Crescent Iriquois.