AUBURN, Ala. – The Auburn swimming and diving program handed out its year-end awards on Saturday night at the annual banquet held at Auburn Arena.
Freshman diver Scott Lazeroff and Annie Lazor each were awarded the Hammer Award, which is presented to the highest individual point-scorer at the NCAA Championships. Lazeroff scored a personal-best 436.75 to take third on the platform at NCAA’s while Lazor earned honorable mention All-America honors in both breaststroke events.
Sophomores Peter Holoda and Zoe Thatcher were recognized with the Stanley Louis Sugar Memorial Scholar Award. The scholar award is given in recognition of athleticism and academics and is given in the memory of Stanley Louis Sugar, who was killed in an automobile accident with his friend, Bradley Ernest Schade. Although not an elite swimmer while at Auburn, Sugar’s impact both in the water and the classroom was felt throughout the team. He was an honor student and had just received his diploma from Auburn. Holoda carries a 3.72 GPA while Thatcher has a 4.0.
Aly Tetzloff, Erin Falconer and Zach Apple shared the Bradley Ernest Schade Freshman Unity Award. The award is given to a member of the freshman class in memory of Schade, who was passed away with Sugar. Schade, a freshman, was able to have an immediate impact on the team. His hard work both in the classroom and the pool was a catalyst for the team. He bridged the gap between incoming freshmen and upperclassmen. Because of his influence, Auburn had a most successful season.
Holoda was also presented the Auburn Swimming & Diving Award, which is based on scholarship, leadership and athletic performance. The award is presented to the athlete who depict what Auburn Swimming & Diving is all about.
The Ralph Crocker Spirit of Auburn Award is presented in memory of former assistant coach Ralph Crocker. It is given to an athlete, coach or support person who exemplifies Ralph’s Auburn spirit and character as illuminated in the Auburn Creed. This year’s recipient was athletic trainer Nate Warner.
The Most Improved Swimming Award went to Joe Patching and Natasha Lloyd. Lazeroff won the Most Improved Diver Award along with fellow newcomer Miranda Telmanik.
Swimming new courtesy of Auburn Swimming & Diving.