Niehoff, Engan ranked nationally

When ranking the nation's best all-around swimmers for her age group, the Carson Tigersharks' Abby Niehoff is near the top.

Niehoff's times placed her in the nation's top 16 in six events for 11-12-year-olds in the 2003-2004 season through Aug. 31. USA Swimming recently released its national top 16 list for the 2003-2004 season.

The Tigersharks had another swimmer, Jamie Engan, among the nation's top swimmers as she was ranked in the top 16 in two events for 15-16-year-olds. Engan and Niehoff were among the nation's best in short course yard events.

Niehoff was ranked in the nation's top five in three events. She was third in the 1,000-yard freestyle (10 minutes, 27.84 seconds), fourth in the 100 free (53.85) and fifth in the 1,650 free (17.36.46).

She was also eighth in the 200 free (1:56.75), 11th in the 500 free (5:10.68) and 16th in the 200 butterfly (2:13.24). Engan was 11th in the 1,000 free (9:58.86) and 10th in the 1,650 free (16:44.65).