The McKendree University swimming & diving teams celebrated their 2016-17 inaugural season over the weekend with the team’s first annual post-season awards banquet.
The awards banquet gathered the team together to recognize and honor the numerous achievements of the team during its inaugural season. In the team’s first season, the men finished in the top 25 in men’s NCAA Division II with Daniel Buijs becoming the program’s first All-American. The team also garnered nine All-American Honorable Mention honors as well. Between both the men’s and the women’s teams there were 11 finalists and six consolation finalists at the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) Championship.
The team not only excelled in the pool, but in the classroom as well. The women’s team earned College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) Scholar All-America Team with the third highest GPA in NCAA Division II. The teams also demonstrated outstanding academics with two student-athletes on the President’s list (4.0 GPA) and four student-athletes on the Dean’s list (3.6+ GPA). Additionally, the women’s team will have two members serving as officers for the McKendree University Honor Society of Phi Eta Sigma in 2017-18. Sydney Rey will serve as President of the organization and Magdalena Knapp will serve as the Secretary.
2016-17 Award Recipients:
Dr. James M. Dennis Spirit Award is awarded to the member of the McKendree Swimming and Diving team who has exemplified the Bearcat spirit as well as strong leadership through their dedication to the sport of swimming and diving and their teammates, in and out of the pool. This student-athlete also represents both McKendree University and the athletic department to the fullest extent of the Bearcat spirit.
Recipient: Matthew Meals
The Ironman and Ironwoman Award is awarded to one male and one female athlete from the McKendree Swimming and Diving team who have shown dedication to the team and consistently demonstrates a hard work ethic and dedication to the team during both practices and meets. These athletes have gone above and beyond the expectations and mission of both McKendree Swimming and Diving and Bearcat Athletics in their pursuit of excellence.
Recipients:
Men: Josh Lamb
Women: Magdalena Knapp
Most Valuable Player Award is awarded to the member of the McKendree Swimming and Diving team who has demonstrated outstanding achievements both in and out of the pool during the season.
Recipient: Matija Pucarevic
2017-18 Team Captains:
Head Coach Jimmy Tierney also announced the team captains for the 2017-18 season at the awards banquet. In the second season of competition, both the men’s and women’s teams will each have co-captains.
Women’s Team Captains
Sydney Rey
Magdalena Knapp
Men’s Team Captains
Matthew Meals
Zach Breeding
News courtesy of McKendress Athletics.