Swimmer Derek Toomey and softball pitcher Sara Moulton were named Minnesota’s recipients of the 2014 Big Ten Medla of Honor, which represents the highest-achieving male and female student athletes at each of the Big Ten’s 12 member institutions. Athletes are recognized based on their graduating class.
The award is given on the combined recognition of athletic and academic achievements.
Toomey as a senior won the Big Ten Championship in the 50 free, and placed 4th at NCAA’s in 19.05. In addition, he lead off Minnesota’s prelims 200 free relay with an 18.95, making him the first swimmer in the history of the Big Ten Conference to flat-start a 50 free in under 19 seconds.
In total, the outgoing senior won 15 All-American honors out of a maximum 28 possible, including 3 First Team All-American awards.
Toomey and Moulton represent 2 out of 24 recipients who will earn the honor this year. 2014 marks the 100th anniversary of this award, which claims to be the first in the history of intercollegiate athletics “to recognize academic and athletic excellence.”
First to flat start under 20? or under 19?