FIVE EMORY SWIMMERS WIN PRESTIGIOUS NCAA POSTGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS

(May 1) Five seniors on the Emory University Swimming and Diving Team have awarded NCAA Postgraduate Scholarships, based on their academic and athletic achievements during their time at Emory.  Tim Newton, Andrew Roos, Thomas Roos, Jamie Lawler and Ali Smith will each receive $7,500 scholarships for postgraduate study.

The five scholarships given to Emory student-athletes the most awarded to any school for the winter season.  The next closest school, Stanford University (Calif.), had three scholarships, while four other schools had two apiece.  Emory has been awarded 59 postgraduate scholarships over the school's history, and 42 since 2000, more than any other NCAA institution.  The next closest school is Stanford, with 35 during the same time period.

Tim Newton is a biology major, who has recorded a 3.847 GPA during his time at Emory.  Newton is a seven-time All-American honoree, and a three-time All-American honorable mention, and is the school-record holder in the 400-yard individual medley and the 500-yard freestyle.  Next year, Tim will be attending the University of Delaware, where he will be participating in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

Andrew Roos has recorded a 3.94 GPA, while finishing his double major in biology and Spanish.  He was an All-America honorable mention in the 200-yard backstroke, the 400-yard individual medley, and the 500-yard freestyle in 2006, and the 200-yard backstroke in 2007.  Andrew plans on pursuing a career in biological teaching and research, after starting graduate school in the fall of 2008.

Thomas Roos is a Rhodes Scholar finalist for the California Region and a three-time Academic All-American.  He compiled a 3.92 GPA, while majoring in biology with a minor in Spanish.  Roos was a two-time All-American in 2007, and a six-time All-American honorable mention during his career.  He plans to attend graduate school to study in an MD/PhD program, starting in the fall of 2008.

Jamie Lawler is  14-time All-American and a six-time All-America honorable mention.  She finished her Emory career with the third-best time in school history in the 100-yard freestyle, and the sixth-best time in both the 50-yard and 100-yard backstroke.  Jamie, a psychology major with a 3.906 GPA, plans on pursuing a doctoral degree in child clinical psychology.

Ali Smith is a five-time All-American, a four-time All-America honorable mention and a three-time conference champion.  She has recorded a 3.85 GPA while earning her Bachelor of Business Administration degree, with a minor in linguistics.  Ali plans on beginning her career in marketing communications before returning to school for her graduate degree in the fall of 2010.

The five postgraduate scholarships are not only the most issued to one Emory team during a season in school history, but the most issued to the school during any one season.  Emory's Swimming and Diving Team has won 18 NCAA Postgraduate Scholarships over the past seven years.

The NCAA issued $7,500 postgraduate scholarships to 58 student-athletes (29 men and 29 women) this season.  Institutions from all Divisions of the NCAA (I,II, and III) submit applicants from men's and women's basketball, men's fencing, men's and women's gymnastics, women's ice hockey, women's rifle, men's and women's swimming and diving, men's and women's indoor track and field and wrestling.  To qualify for an NCAA postgraduate scholarship, a student-athlete must have an overall grade-point average of 3.200 (on a 4.000 scale) or its equivalent and must have performed with distinction as a member of the varsity team in the sport in which the student-athlete was nominated.  The student-athlete also must intend to continue academic work beyond the baccalaureate degree as a full-time or part-time graduate student.

EMORY FINISHES THIRD AT NATIONAL SWIMMING & DIVING CHAMPIONSHIPS

(Mar. 11) The Emory University Women's  Swimming & Diving team finished third at the NCAA Division III National Championships.  It marks the sixth-consecutive year that the Eagles have recorded a top-three national finish.

Emory scored 295 points during the meet, finishing behind Kenyon College (538 points) and Amherst College (320 points).

The Eagles' relay teams all finished the season on a positive note. The Eagles set a school record in the 400-yard freestyle relay, as Ruth Westby, Sarah Nicholson, Leigh Psaris and Jamie Lawler combined to swim a 3:26.98 in the event, finishing second overall. Westby, Psaris and Lawler later teamed up with Mary Tripp for a school-record 7:32.03 time in the 800-yard freestyle relay, while Westby, Nicholson, Lawler and Sara Hostalet's time of 1:35.48 in the 200-yard freestyle relay was a school-record as well.

Freshman Leigh Psaris recorded six top-five finishes at the meet, including second place finishes in the 200-yard butterfly and the 400-yard freestyle relay.  Earlier in the season, Psaris was named the University Athletic Association Rookie of the Year.

Senior Jamie Lawler will conclude her Emory career on a strong note. Lawler finished 12th in the 50-yard freestyle, and was a member of the second place 400-freestyle relay, the third-place 800-yard and 200-yard freestyle relays, and the fifth-place 400-yard medley relay. She will finish her Emory career with a total of 14 All-America certificates.

Competing in her first National Championship meet, freshman Ruth Westby was part of four top-five Emory relay teams. Westby also recorded a number of top individual finishes, earning All-America honors with a fourth-place finish in the 200-yard freestyle (1:51.00), and fifth-place finishes in the 50-yard freestyle (23.68) and the 100-yard freestyle (51.34). Westby's times in the 100- and 200-yard freestyles were both school records.

All together, Emory registered 12 top-five finishes at the meet, including six top-three finishes. 

The meet concludes the 2006-07 season for the Eagles.

EMORY WOMEN'S SWIMMING TO DEFEND ITS TITLE AT THE NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS

(Mar. 7) The Emory University Women's Swimming and Diving Team, the top-ranked team in the nation, will be sending a contingent of 14 swimmers to the NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships in Houston, TX.  The Eagles enter the meet with 18 individual seedings and four seeded relay teams, and have one of the top-five seeds in nine of the 20 events at the meet.

Freshman Leigh Psaris will enter the meet as a top-two seed in three separate events.  She ranks first in the 100-yard butterfly and second in the 500-yard freestyle and 200-yard butterfly.  Psaris holds the Emory record in both the 100-yard and 200-yard butterfly.

All four of Emory's relay teams are seeded in the top-four entering the meet.  The 400-yard freestyle team is ranked second, the 400-yard medley and 800-yard freestyle relay teams are ranked third, and the 200-yard freestyle relay team is ranked fourth.

Emory's 14 invitees to the meet include freshmen Psaris, Lillian Ciardelli, and Ruth Westby, sophomores Sarah Axtell, Laura Conter, Kate Gunning, Lyle Holmes, Sara Hostalet, Tess Pasternak, and Mary Tripp, junior Ellen Flader, and seniors Jamie Lawler, Sarah Nicholson, and Alexis Smith.

Emory's swimmers enter the meet with a combined 33 All-America certificates throughout their careers.  Jamie Lawler enters the meet with 10 All-America honors, including three each of the past two seasons.  Alexis Smith and Sarah Nicholson each have five All-America certificates to their names, and sophomore Sara Hostalet recorded four All-America certificates during her freshman year at the Championship meet. 

The Eagles will head into the NCAA Championship looking for the team's third-consecutive National Title.  The meet will begin on Thursday, March 8th and continue through Saturday, March 10th.

EAGLES WIN NINTH-CONSECUTIVE CONFERENCE SWIMMING & DIVING CHAMPIONSHIPS

(Feb. 10) The Emory University Swimming and Diving teams made it nine-straight University Athletic Association (UAA) Championships, as the Eagles concluded the three-day conference meet atop the standings.  The Eagles have won the conference championship ever year under the leadership of head coach Jon Howell.

The nationally top-ranked women's team scored a total of 1,887 points during the meet.  The Eagles had five individual champions during the meet, including Leigh Psaris in the 100- and 200- yard butterfly, Ellen Flader in the 100-yard breaststroke, Sarah Axtell in the 100-yard backstroke and Kate Gunning in the 1,650-yard freestyle.  Emory's 200-yard freestyle relay team came in first at the meet as well.  This marks the 14th time overall the Emory women have won the UAA title.  They have never finished worse than third at the meet.

In addition, for her performance at the meet, Psaris, a freshman, took home rookie of the year honors.

The men, ranked second in the nation, recorded a team score of 1,724 points, and had two relay teams - the 200- and 400-yard medley relay teams - place atop the standings.  Individually, the Eagles has six UAA Champions, including Alex Fleet in the 100- and 200-yard backstroke, Tim Newton in the 500-yard freestyle, Bruce Milburn in the 1,650-yard freestyle, Andrew Callam in the 100-yard freestyle and Scott Bobo in the 200-yard breaststroke.  This is the ninth time in the history of the program that the Eagles have won the conference title.

For guiding his team to another conference championship, Coach Howell was named the UAA Coach of the Year.

The next and final stop for the Eagles on their 2006-07 campaign will be the NCAA Division III National Championships, where both teams will try to defend their titles from last season.  The National Championship meet will take place in Houston, TX from March 8th through 10th.

EAGLES SIT IN FIRST PLACE AFTER FIRST DAY OF CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS

(Feb. 9) After one day of competition, both the top-ranked Emory women's team and the second-ranked Emory women's team sit atop the standings at the University Athletic Association (UAA) Swimming and Diving Championships.  The women opened the conference championships by scoring 540 points, 196 more than the second-place team, while the men scored 533 points and sit 88 points ahead of the next-closest team.

The Emory women opened up the day by recording a first-place finish in the finals of the 200-yard freestyle relay, registering a NCAA provisional qualifying time of 1:36.13 and setting a pool record in the process.  Leigh Psaris finished second in the 500-yard freestyle, swimming a 5:03.08.  Emory scored successfully in the 50-yard freestyle, as Ruth Westby finished second, Lyle Holmes finished third, and Sarah Nicholson finished fourth.

The women will enter day two of the championship with the two top-seeded teams in the 200-yard medley relay.  Individual top-seeded women include Psaris in the 100-yard butterfly and Ellen Flader in the 200-yard breaststroke.

The men's team received a strong performance from Tim Newton, who finished first in the 500-yard freestyle in a time of 4:36.23.  The Eagles also topped the standings in the 400-yard medley relay, as Emory recorded a time of 3:28.72 in the event.

During the second day of competition, Emory will have the top-two seeded teams in the 200-yard medley relay.  Individually, the Eagles look to make a strong statement in both the 400-yard individual medley and the 100-yard backstroke, where the Eagles have the top-four seeded individuals in each event.

Both teams are looking for their ninth-consecutive UAA Championship.  Competition will continue Friday morning, starting with preliminaries at 9:00 a.m.  Live results can be viewed throughout the day, and the finals, starting at 6:00 p.m., can be seen live by going to the 2007 UAA Championship website, hosted by Case Western Reserve University (Ohio).

EMORY SWIMMING & DIVING TO COMPETE AT THE UAA CHAMPIONSHIPS

(Feb. 7) Emory University's Swimming and Diving teams will look to win their ninth-consecutive University Athletic Association (UAA) Championship this weekend, as the Eagles will travel to Cleveland, Ohio to compete in the conference championships.  The conference championship meet will take place all day from Thursday until Saturday.

Emory head coach Jon Howell has guided the Eagles to a conference championship in each of his eight seasons' at the helm of the swimming and diving teams.  Emory women will enter the 2007 UAA Championship with top seeds in ten of 18 swimming events, while the men enter with 11 of 18 top seeds.

The Emory women's team will be represented by eight-returning conference champions as well, including seniors Jamie Lawler, Sarah Nicholson and Ali Smith, junior Ellen Flader, and sophomores Sara Hostalet, Tess Pasternak, Laura Conter, and Lyle Holmes.

It will be Emory's young athletes though who will be favored to take home a number of conference titles.  Freshman Leigh Psaris will be the top-seeded swimmer in the 500-yard freestyle, and the 100- and 200-yard butterfly.  Another freshman, Ruth Westby, will be favored to win the 50- and 100-yard freestyle.  Flader will be the only other top-seeded individual for Emory, as she will attempt to defend her conference title in the 100-yard breaststroke.  Emory also has the top-seeded teams in the 200- and 400-yard freestyle relays, and the 200- and 400-yard medley relays.

For a complete look at the psych sheets and to watch the finals of every event live each night, please go to the 2007 UAA Championship Website, hosted by Case Western. 

The meet will be the final one for the Eagles prior to the NCAA Division III Championships, and therefore chance for Emory swimmers to qualify for the event.   

ELLEN FLADER HONORED AS UAA WOMEN'S SWIMMER OF THE WEEK

(Jan. 31)  Ellen Flader, member of the top-ranked Emory University Women's Swimming and Diving team, was named the University Athletic Association's (UAA) Athlete of the Week for women's swimming.  Flader, honored for her performance during a dual meet against Transylvania University (Ky.), becomes the sixth Emory women's swimmer to be recognized by the UAA this season.

Flader recorded two first-place finishes, including one NCAA provisional qualifying time, during the dual meet.  Competing in the 100-yard breaststroke, the junior finished in first-place with a NCAA provisional qualifying time of 1:07.21.  The junior then swam a 2:29.62 in the 200-yard breaststroke, finishing in first for the second time of the meet. 

Flader's performance helped the Eagles defeat Transylvania 199-89, and finish the season with a 9-5 record in dual meets.  Emory will compete in the Orange and Blue Classic in Auburn, AL this weekend, the team's final meet before the UAA and National Championships.

LAWLER TO BE HONORED WITH AN EMORY HUMANITARIAN AWARD

(Jan. 30) Jamie Lawler, member of the Emory University Women's Swimming and Diving team, will be honored with an Emory University Humanitarian Award.  The Humanitarian Awards Ceremony will take place Wednesday, January 31st at 8:00 p.m. in the Winship Ballroom of the Dobbs University Center on the Emory University campus.

Lawler, a senior and all-American swimmer, is a Psychology major and three-time Academic All-Conference honoree.  During her time at Emory, Jamie has completed an Emory Study Abroad Research program in the South Pacific, and has served as a My House Intern, a Special Olympic Coordinator and worked at the Emory Child Study Center.  Winners of the Humanitarian Award are selected based on their honesty, integrity, courage and responsibility exhibited in their actions and activities.

Jamie was selected for the honor by a committee appointed by Senior Vice President John L. Ford, from a group of nominees submitted by Emory students, faculty, staff and alumni.  The Humanitarian Awards are sponsored by the Emory Center for Student Leadership and Engagement, Division of Campus Life, Emory Dining and The Emory University Bookstores.

TOP-RANKED EMORY WOMEN'S SWIMMING & DIVING WINS FINAL DUAL MEET OF SEASON

(Jan. 27) The Emory University Women's Swimming and Diving team, ranked first in the nation according to collegeswimming.com, came away from its final dual meet of the 2006-07 season with a victory, defeating Transylvania University (Ky.) 199-89.  With the win, the Eagles improve to 9-5 in dual meets this season, while the loss drops Transylvania to 6-6 during the campaign.

The Eagles received strong performances from a number of individuals, as Emory took first place in 14 of the 16 events.  Five Eagles recorded NCAA provisional qualifying times, including freshman Ruth Westby in the 50-yard freestyle, sophomores Tess Pasternak and Laura Conter in the 100-yard backstroke and the 100-yard butterfly, respectively, junior Ellen Flader in the 100-yard breaststroke, and senior Ali Smith in the 400-yard individual medley.

With the win, Emory improves to 10-0 all-time in dual meets against Transylvania.  The Eagles' next meet will be on February 3rd, as Emory will travel to Auburn, AL to take part in the Orange and Blue Classic.

EMORY TO HOST FINAL DUAL MEET OF THE SEASON

(Jan. 25) Emory University Swimming and Diving will play host for its final dual meet of the 2006-07 season, as the Eagles will welcome Transylvania University (Ky.) to the Woodruff P.E. Center.  The meet will take place on Saturday, starting at 11:00 A.M.

The second-ranked Emory men's team, 4-4 in dual meets this season, will be competing against a 5-7 Transylvania men's team.  The top-ranked Emory women's team is 8-5 in dual meets this year, compared to a 6-5 record for the Transylvania women's team.  Both the Emory men's and women's teams are 9-0 in previous meetings with Transylvania.

"This is a meet that serves a different purpose for us," said Emory head coach Jon Howell.  "While some swimmers will be competing in their primary events, we'll be varying events for others.  It's really a mixed bag, and we'll have an opportunity to mix some things up."

Following their final dual meet of the season, the Eagles' eyes will begin to look towards championship season.  After competing in the Orange and Blue Classic at Auburn University (Ala.) on February 3rd, Emory will take part in the University Athletic Association Championships on February 8-10, and then the NCAA Division III Championships in March.  

WESTBY NAMED CONFERENCE SWIMMER OF THE WEEK

(Jan. 17) Emory University's Ruth Westby was named the University Athletic Association's women's swimmer of the week for her performance in two meets last weekend.  This marks the second time this season that Westby has garnered the honor.

Westby, a freshman, recorded five first-place finishes during the two meets.  Against the Division II University of Tampa (Fla.), Westby led the way for Emory, finishing first in the 50- and 100-yard freestyle, and was part of the first-place 200-yard medley relay team.  Swimming against three Division I opponents in Georgia Tech, the University of New Orleans, and the University of North Florida, Westby recorded NCAA Division III ‘B' qualifying times in the 50-yard freestyle (24.10) and the 100-yard freestyle (52.32), finishing first in both of the events. 

Westby's performance helped the Eagles, ranked first in Division III according to collegeswimming.com, to a 3-1 record against the four teams, as Emory improved to 8-5 overall this season in dual meets.  The Eagles will return to the pool on January 27th to play host to Transylvania University (Ky.).

TOP-RANKED EAGLES WIN THREE OF FOUR WEEKEND MEETS

(Jan. 14) Competing against only Division I and Division II institutions, Emory University, the top-ranked team in Division III swimming according to collegeswimming.com, won three of four weekend matchups.  Emory defeated the University of Tampa (Fla.) on Friday, and beat out the University of New Orleans (La.) and the University of North Florida, while losing to Georgia Tech on Sunday.

The Eagles finished atop nine of 14 events, en route to defeating Division II Tampa 140-117.  Freshman Ruth Westby led the way for Emory, finishing first in the 50- and 100-yard freestyle, and was part of the first-place 200-yard medley relay team.  Freshman Leigh Psaris finished first in the 200-yard freestyle and 100- and 200-yard butterfly, and sophomore Tess Pasternak topped her competition in the 100- and 200-yard backstroke.

In a four-way meet against on Sunday, the Eagles defeated the Division I University of New Orleans 177-54 and University of North Florida 168-75, while losing to Division I Georgia Tech 141-100.  Westby continued her winning weekend, finishing first in the 50- and 100-yard freestyle, and recording NCAA ‘B' qualifying times in both events.  Psaris recorded a NCAA ‘A' qualifying time as she finished first in the200-yard butterfly, and a ‘B' qualifying time with her second-place finish in the 200-yard freestyle.  Pasternak's first-place time of 2:08.22 in the 200-yard backstroke was good for an NCAA ‘B' cut as well.

After the 3-1 weekend, Emory improved its record to 8-5 in meets this season.  All five of Emory's losses this season have come to Division I schools.  The Eagles next meet will be their first home meet of 2007, as Emory will host Transylvania University (Ky.) on Saturday, January 27th.

TOP-RANKED EMORY WOMEN'S SWIMMING & DIVING BACK FROM BREAK

(Jan. 10) The Emory University Women's Swimming and Diving team, ranked first in Division III by collegeswimming.com, will compete in its first two meets of the new year, traveling to the University of Tampa (Fla.) on Friday, and Georgia Tech on Sunday.

Tampa, a Division II institution, enters Friday's meet with a 5-2 record this season.  The Eagles came away with a 153 - 108 win at the University of Tampa last year.  During the meet, Sara Hostalet recorded first-place finishes in the 50- and 100-yard freestyle, and Ellen Flader finished first in the 100- and 200-yard breaststroke. 

On Sunday, Emory will return to Atlanta to swim against the Georgia Tech Yellowjackets and the University of North Florida.  Emory suffered a 161-139 loss to Georgia Tech last season, despite first-place finishes from Tess Pasternak in the 100-yard backstroke, and Ellen Flader in the 100-yard breaststroke.  Georgia Tech is a Division I school, which competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).  The Yellowjackets will enter the weekend with a 1-4 record during the 2006-07 season.

The University of North Florida, another Division I program, will enter the meet with a 3-4 record this season.  The two teams last met on January 30th, 2005, with Emory coming away with a 171-129 victory over the Ospreys.

Heading into the winter break, the Eagles had won three-straight dual meets.  The Eagles will enter the weekend with a 5-4 record this season.

EMORY WOMEN'S SWIMMING MAKES STRONG WEEKEND SHOWING

(Dec. 4) The Emory Women's Swimming and Diving team will head into 2007 on a high note, after making a strong showing at two-separate meets last weekend.  At the Miami University (Ohio) Invitational, competing against mostly NCAA Division I schools, the Eagles finished sixth out of 11 teams.  Emory continued its weekend by defeating The University of the South (Tenn.) in a dual meet 171-105.

The Eagles' weekend at the Miami invitational was highlighted by freshman Leigh Psaris' four first-place finish performance.  Psaris topped the standings in the 100-yard butterfly, 500-yard freestyle, the 200-yard butterfly and the 200-yard freestyle.  Her times in the last two events, 2:02.04 and 1:51.6 respectively, both set new school records.

Psaris was not the only Eagle to break records at the meet.  Fellow freshman Ruth Westby, set a new school record in the 100-yard freestyle, finishing fourth overall in a time of 51.80.  Sophomore Tess Pasternak and recorded two fourth-place finishes at the meet, completing the 100-yard backstroke in 58.22, and the 200-yard backstroke in 2:05.35, the fourth-fastest time in school history. 

The Eagles' success continued against the University of the South, with senior Sarah Nicholson leading the way.  Nicholson recorded four first place finishes at the dual meet, including two in individual events.  In total, the Eagles registered first-place finishes in 12 of 16 events, en route to the team victory.  With the win, the Eagles improve to 5-4 in dual meets this season.

The two meets mark the final two of the 2006 calendar year for Emory.  The Eagles will return to the pool after the start of the new year, as the team will travel to Tampa, FL, to swim against the University of Tampa on Friday, January 12th. 

EMORY MEN IN THIRD PLACE AFTER FIRST DAY OF MIAMI INVITATIONAL; WOMEN IN 10TH PLACE

(Dec. 1) The Emory University Swimming and Diving Teams game out of the gates strong at the Miami University (Ohio) Invitational on Thursday.  After one day of competition at the meet, consisting mostly of NCAA Division I teams, the Emory men sit in third place, while the women are in 10th.

The highlight of Day 1 for the Eagles came in the men's 1650-yard freestyle, where senior Tim Newton and junior Nick Lake finished first and second, respectively, out of 30 competitors.  Newton's winning time of 15:44.19 is the second-fastest time in school history, and Lake's time of 15:49.33 is the 11th-fastest.  The pair's finish accounted for 66 of Emory's 122 points after the first day.

The only other entry for the Emory men's team, the 800-yard freestyle relay team, finished fourth and scored the Eagles' other 56 points.  The team, consisting of Randall Scarborough, Keith Diggs, Andrew Roos and Cary Burke, swam a time of 6:51.45, the seventh-fastest time in school history.

The Emory women were able to score, despite only entering one swimmer during the first day.  Sophomore Kate Gunning finished seventh in the women's 1650-yard freestyle.  Her time of 17:31.20 is the second-fastest time by an Emory swimmer this season.  Gunning accounted for Emory's 25 points during the first day.

Both Emory teams will be looking to move up in the standings, as competition at the Miami Invitational will continue throughout the weekend.  Miami University will be providing live updates throughout the meet, which can be viewed by clicking here.

EMORY WOMEN'S SWIMMING & DIVING TO COMPETE IN THE MIAMI UNIVERSITY INVITATIONAL

(Nov. 29) The Emory University Women's Swimming and Diving Team will look to make a statement against eight NCAA Division I teams, as the Eagles will swim at the Miami University (Ohio) Invitational this weekend.

The Eagles will be competing against ten other schools at the Miami Invitational this year, including the eight Division I schools.  Other teams attending the meet include Miami University, the University of Cincinnati (Ohio), the University of Houston (Tx.) and Marshall University (W. Va.).

Emory finished seventh out of 12 teams at the meet last year. The meet will take place from Thursday, November 30th until Saturday, December 2nd.  Miami University will be posting live results, which can be viewed by clicking here.

The Eagles will also be swimming against the University of the South (Tenn.) in Sewanee, TN on Saturday, December 2nd.  Emory defeated the University of the South 170-104 when the two teams met last season.  Emory will enter Saturday's action with a 4-4 record in dual meets this season.

EMORY SPLITS FOUR WEEKEND MATCHUPS

(Nov. 18) Emory University finished its weekend with a 2-2 record in four matchups, defeating Limestone College (S.C.) and The Savannah College of Art and Design (Ga.), while losing meets to Division I opponents, University of Georgia and the University of Arkansas.

Emory's two wins came at home on Saturday, as the Eagles defeated Limestone 134-63, and picked up a 119-70 victory of SCAD.  On Friday, the Eagles dropped a 161-138 decision to Arkansas, and suffered a 192-102 to the eighth-ranked University of Georgia.

The Eagles record moved to 4-4 this season with the 2-2 finish to the weekend.  Emory will return to the pool after Thanksgiving, when they will travel to Oxford, Ohio for the Miami University Invitational.

EMORY TO SWIM AGAINST GEORGIA AND ARKANSAS

(Nov. 15) The Emory University women's swimming and diving team will compete in two meets this weekend, as the Eagles will travel to Athens, GA on Friday to swim against the University of Georgia and the University of Arkansas.  The Eagles will also play host to Limestone College (S.C.) and the Savannah College of Art and Design on Saturday.

Both of Emory's opponents Friday night are NCAA Division I institutions, and are members of the Southeastern Conference (SEC).  Last season, the Eagles suffered a 172-116 defeat to the University of Georgia in Athens, despite second place finishes from Tess Pasternak in the 100 and 200 yard backstroke.

Emory will look to continue its success in the pool so far this season.  The Eagles finished atop the standing at the Carnegie Mellon Invitation, defeating University Athletic Association opponents Case Western Reserve University (Ohio) and Carnegie Mellon University (Pa.), along with Johns Hopkins University (Md.).  Eagles' freshman Leigh Psaris led the way for Emory, winning four individual events and three relays.  Psaris broke the school record in the 200-yard butterfly for the third time this season, swimming a pool-record time of 2:04.12 at the meet. 

The Eagles will enter the meet with a 2-2 overall record this season.  The start time for Friday's meet is 6:00 PM.  The action on Saturday will start at 1:00 PM at the Woodruff Physical Education Center.

EMORY WINS FOURTH-STRAIGHT CARNEGIE MELLON INVITATIONAL

(Nov. 5) The Emory University Women's Swimming and Diving Team has 11 first-place finishers, en route to winning the Carnegie Mellon Invitational for the fourth-consecutive year.

Freshman Leigh Psaris led the way for the Eagles, winning four individual events and three relays.  Psaris broke the school record in the 200-yard butterfly for the third time this season, swimming a pool-record time of 2:04.12.  Psaris set another pool record during the meet, swimming a 57.75 in the 100-yard butterfly.  She also finished first in the 1650-yard freestyle and the 200-yard individual medley. 

Sophomores Kate Gunning, Sara Hostalet, and Tess Pasternak each had individual first place finishes during the meet.  In addition, Hostalet was part of three first-place relay teams during the meet.

Emory had four relay teams finish in first place, including the 200-yard medley and 400-yard freestyle teams, which both qualified for the NCAA ‘B' cut.  The 400-yard medley and 200-yard freestyle teams also finished in first place.

The first-place finish came over University Athletic Association opponents Case Western Reserve University (Ohio) and Carnegie Mellon University (Pa.), along with Johns Hopkins University (Md.).  The Eagles will return to the pool on Friday, November 17th, when the Eagles will travel to Athens, GA, to swim against a NCAA Division I opponent in the University of Georgia.

EMORY SWIMMING & DIVING TO COMPETE IN THE CARNEGIE MELLON INVITATIONAL

(Nov. 1) The Emory Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving Teams will travel to Pittsburgh, Pa., where they will compete in the Carnegie Mellon Invitational against Carnegie Mellon University (Pa.), Case Western Reserve University (Ohio) and Johns Hopkins University (Md.).

The Emory women's team enters the meet having won it in each of the last three years.  Competing against the same three teams in 2005, Emory won 13 individual events and four relay events.  Tess Pasternak won three events at the meet last season, including the 100-yard backstroke and the 200-yard backstroke, and her times in both were automatic qualifications for the national championships. Pasternak also won the 200-yard individual medley.

The Eagles men's team has finished first in the meet in 2004 and 2005.  Junior Nick Lake won two events last year, finishing first in the 500-yard and 1650-yard freestyle races.  Lake also finished second in the 400-yard individual medley.

The Carnegie Mellon Invitational will take place all day Saturday and Sunday.  The Emory women will enter the meet with a 2-2 record, while the men enter the meet with a 0-2 season record.  Both losses for each of the teams have come against Division I schools.

EMORY'S PSARIS AND PASTERNAK BOTH RECEIVE HONORS

(Oct. 31) The individual honors continue to roll in for Emory University's Women's Swimming and Diving team, as Leigh Psaris was named a National Swimmer of the Week by Collegeswimming.com, while Tess Pasternak was named the University Athletic Association (UAA) Swimming and Diving Athlete of the Week.

Psaris has been named a Swimmer of the Week each of the first two times it has been awarded this season.  The freshman bested her own school record in the 200 yard butterfly, swimming a 2:04.17 and winning a total of three events against the University of North Carolina Wilmington.  Psaris is the only swimmer this season to be a national swimmer of the week in both of the first two weeks.

Tess Pasternak was named the UAA Women's Swimmer of the week after swimming three season-best times, finishing first in two events and second in another.  This marks the third time in the sophomore's career that she has been named a conference athlete of the week.  In each of the last three weeks, an Eagle has been chosen for the honor.

Emory will be back in the pool next weekend, as the Eagles will travel to Pittsburgh, Pa., to compete in the Carnegie Mellon Invitational.

NEW SCHOOL RECORD NOT ENOUGH AS EMORY FALLS TO UNC WILMINGTON

(Oct. 28) Emory University Swimming and Diving received first-place performances from Leigh Psaris, Ruth Westby, and Tess Pasternak, but it wasn't enough as the Eagles fell to the University of North Carolina Wilmington, 156-142.

Psaris bested her own school record in the 200 yard butterfly that she had set just two weeks ago against Boston College, swimming a 2:04.17 in the event.  Psaris also finished first in the 1000 yard freestyle and the 100 yard butterfly.  Her time of 57.33 seconds in the 100 yard butterfly is the seventh best in school history.

Westby notched a first-place finish in the 200, 100, and 50 yard freestyles.  Pasternak swam her way to first place in the 100 yard backstroke and the 200 yard backstroke, while finishing in second in the 200 yard individual medley.

Emory falls to 2-2 on the season, both losses coming to Division I schools.  The Eagles will be on the road next weekend, participating in the Carnegie Mellon Invitational (Pa.).

EMORY'S LEIGH PSARIS NAMED A NATIONAL SWIMMER OF THE WEEK BY COLLEGESWIMMING.COM

(Oct. 25) Emory University's Leigh Psaris was one of six all-NCAA Division athletes selected as the first National Swimmers of the Week for the 2006-07 season, as chosen by Collegeswimming.com.  Of the six selected, Psaris was the only freshman.

Psaris recorded three first-place finishes during the Davidson College meet, including the third-fastest time in school history in the 200 freestyle (1:52.80). Psaris also finished first in the 500 freestyle (5:00.04), which is a new Davidson pool record, and on the 400 yard medley relay team. Earlier in the season, she set the school record in the 200 breaststroke.  Emory University recorded its first two wins of the season, besting Davidson College (N.C.) 157-86, and Georgia Southern University 163-78 in Davidson, NC.

Psaris was selected based on her performances October 8-22, 2006 by a panel of collegiate coaches and nominated by coaches, sports information directors, conference representatives and CollegeSwimming.com staffers.

EMORY'S RUTH WESTBY NAMED UAA WOMEN'S SWIMMING & DIVING ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

(Oct. 24) Emory University swimmer Ruth Westby was named the University Athletic Association (UAA) Women's Swimming and Diving Athlete of the Week for her performance at Davidson College (N.C.) last week.

Westby finished first in one event for Emory, and second in two others, helping the Eagles to two wins against Davidson College (N.C.) and Georgia Southern University.  Westby claimed victory in the 100-yard freestyle, swimming a time of 55.10.  The freshman finished second in the 50 yard freestyle, and was a member of the second-place 400-yard freestyle relay team.  Westby's performance helped the Eagles improve their record to 2-1 this season.

Westby was one of five Eagles chosen by the UAA as an Athlete of the Week this week.  The Eagles return to the Woodruff P.E. Center this Saturday for Emory Swimming & Diving Family Weekend, when they will face the University of North Carolina, Wilmington.   

EMORY LED BY YOUTH IN TWO VICTORIES AT DAVIDSON COLLEGE

(Oct. 21) Emory University recorded its first two wins of the season, besting Davidson College (N.C.) 157-86, and Georgia Southern University 163-78 in Davidson, NC.

The Eagles were led by sophomore Tess Pasternak, whose time of 2:09.73 in the 200 yard backstroke was good for first place.  Pasternak, who was an all-American in three events last season, also recorded a first-place finish as part of the Emory 400 yard medley relay team.

Freshmen Leigh Psaris recorded three first-place finishes during the meet, including swimming a 1:52.8 in the 200 yard freestyle, the third-fastest time in school history.  Psaris also finished first in the 500 yard freestyle and on the 400 yard medley relay team.

Freshman Ruth Westby won the 100 yard freestyle, while finishing second in the 50 yard freestyle and was a member of the second-place 400 yard freestyle relay team.

The Eagles improved to 2-1 this season with the victories.  The Eagles return to the Woodruff P.E. Center this Saturday for Emory Swimming & Diving Family Weekend, when they will face the University of North Carolina, Wilmington.   

EMORY WOMEN'S SWIMMING & DIVING TO COMPETE IN ITS FIRST ROAD MEET OF THE 2006-07 SEASON

(Oct. 18) The Emory women's swimming and diving team will travel to Davidson, N.C. to take on Davidson College and Georgia Southern University.

The Eagles enter the game with a 0-1 record after being edged 151-149 by Boston College, a Division I team and member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).  Freshman Leigh Psaris placed first in three events during the meet, while sophomores Kate Gunning and Tess Pasternak finished first in two events each.

This will be the second meet of the year for Davidson, as the Wildcats dropped their first meet of the season to East Carolina University (N.C.) 148-83.  Georgia Southern enters the meet with a 1-1 record, defeating Howard University (D.C.) 157-66, and suffering a 116-117 loss to the College of Charleston (S.C.).

Psaris, who set the Emory record in the 200 yard butterfly during her first intercollegiate meet, will have a key match-up against Georgia Southern's Rachel Sale, a fellow freshman.  The two will compete against each other in the 100 yard butterfly, in which Sale recorded a time 59.50 in her first collegiate meet.  Against Boston College, Psaris swam a 57.55 in the event.

The Eagles will look to continue their success from the previous two seasons, when Emory finished first in the NCAA National Championships.

EMORY'S LEIGH PSARIS NAMED UAA SWIMMING & DIVING ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

(Oct. 17) Emory University freshman Leigh Psaris was named the University Athletic Assocation's (UAA) Athlete of the Week for Swimming and Diving. 
 
Psaris started her Emory career on a positive note, setting a new school record in the 200 yard butterfly during a dual meet with Boston College (Mass.).  The freshman recorded a time of 2:04.98, besting the previous school record of 2:05.25 and finishing first in the event.  Psaris also topped the standings in the 100 yard butterfly, with a time of 57.55, and in the 400 yard individual medley, swimming a time of 4:35.79.  Psaris scored 27 points for the Eagles in the meet, as Emory was edged by the Division I opponent, Boston College, by a score of 151-149.

Emory will be back in action on Saturday, as the Eagles will swim against Davidson College (N.C.) and Georgia Southern University in Davidson, NC.

PSARIS SETS SCHOOL RECORD AS EMORY IS EDGED BY BOSTON COLLEGE

(Oct. 13) Emory freshman Leigh Psaris set a new school record in the 200 yard butterfly, but Boston College snuck by Emory 151-149.

Psaris swam a 2:04.98 in the 200 yard butterfly, besting Erin Sheehy's previous school record of 2:05.25 in the event.  Psaris also finished first in the 400 yard individual medley and the 100 yard butterfly.

"We had some real outstanding performances today," said Emory Head Coach Jon Howell.  "To go up against a fully funded Division I team and to have it come down to a relay shows that we have a great group this year and that we're off to a good start. 

Other Eagle first-place finishes belonged to Kate Gunning, who won the 500 and 100 yard freestyle events, Tess Pasternak, who led the way in the 100 and 200 yard backstroke and the Eagles' 200 yard medley relay team.

The Eagles' next meet will be on October 21, when Emory will travel to Davidson College (N.C.).

EMORY WOMEN'S SWIMMING AND DIVING TO KICK OFF THE 2006-07 SEASON AGAINST BOSTON COLLEGE

(Oct. 11) Emory University, the two-time defending Division III national champions, will compete in its first dual meet of the season, as the Eagles will be hosting, Boston College (Mass.), a Division I opponent.

"They are a funded Division I scholarship school, so we are expecting some good competition," said Emory head coach Jon Howell.  "It is a very early meet for us, so our main objective is to get some early racing experience and to apply some of the skills we have been working on in practice."

The Eagles will return seven College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) all-America swimmers for the 2006-07 season, including sophomore Sara Hostalet, who earned all-America honors in four events last season.  Also coming back this season for Emory are three-event all-Americans Ellen Flader, Jamie Lawler, Tess Pasternak and Alexis Smith.

This will be the first meeting between the two teams in the history of the programs.  Boston College finished 11th in the Atlantic Coast Conference last season, despite compiling a 9-1 record during the year.  This will also be one of the few duals meets for the Eagles where only the women's team will be competing.

"This is a great opportunity for our women to compete as a women's team and to draw upon the spirit of our team," said Howell.

Emory and Boston College will face off on Friday at 6:00 PM at the Woodruff P.E. Center.

2006-07 WOMEN'S SWIMMING AND DIVING PREVIEW

(Oct. 5) Coming off of two consecutive National Championships, the women's swimming team looks to make their claim as the next dynasty of Division III women's swimming.

The key to a dynasty is not only to win the first titles, but to keep winning as parts of the team move on.

This year's contingent will have to overcome the loss of 2006 UAA Swimmer of the Year and four-time national champion Samantha White, Holly Hinz a 10-time All-American and a host of others competitors.

Coach John Howell sees the potential in this year's team to do just that.

"I don't think you ever really replace people like that, but with them departing it gives some upperclassmen the opportunity to fill roles that they haven't had the chance to fill because they've already been filled," he said. "So someone like Kate Gunning, a freshman for us last year who trailed those two most of the season, now has an opportunity to step into a little bit of a different situation."
 
The 2006-07 team appears to have the makings of the next generation of Emory greats and youth to lead the Emory team for several years to come.

As a freshman last season, freestyle and backstroker Sara Hostalet, tied White and Hinz with All-America honors in four events. Hostalet just missed an individual National Championship last season finishing second in the 100-yard backstroke.

If last season is any indication, the class of 2009 could mirror last year's class for success. Tess Pasternak (three events), Laura Conter (one event) and Lyle Holmes (one event) also earned All-America honors as freshmen last year. Holmes tied for tops on the team with four UAA Championships. This year's sophomore class is indeed large and talented.

The freshman class also hopes to make an early impact on the national scene led by the versatile Leigh Psaris and Dunwoody, Georgia, product Ruth Westby.

"We have some incoming swimmers who I think can have a huge impact. Leigh Psaris, who is a freshman butterflier for us, also a great freestyler, I think will immediately be at a top national level," Howell said. "Ruth Westby is a local swimmer who we look towards being a top level competitor for us."

Coach Howell also said several freshman divers may help replace last year's UAA Diver of the Year Lisa Parton.

Of course, championships are not usually won by freshmen and sophomores and this team packs plenty of veteran leadership to take this team to the top again.

"Ali Smith, who was on the heels of Holly Hinz in the 400 IM last year, is a senior for us this year and, I think, this preseason is ready for a new set of challenges," Howell said.

Seniors Smith and Jamie Lawler both took home three All-America honors last year. Lawler also led the team with six All-UAA honors last season including four UAA titles. Senior Sarah Nicholson earned two All-America honors last season.

During 2005-06, Emory's depth provided strength in relay competition; that should continue to be the case this season as Smith, Lawler and Nicholson all were major contributors to high-finishing relay teams last year.

Breaststroker Ellen Flader leads the junior class after earning All-America honors in three events last season.

As for the divers, Emory will miss the services Lisa Parton, an All-American in the one-meter event and the 2005-06 UAA Diver of the Year.  The Eagles will look to junior Jackie Powers as well as freshmen Chelsea Murphy and Jo Jo Aresty to emerge as consistent contributors.

This team looks complete from top to bottom for success now and in the future. While Emory claims a history of great individual performers, the program's success has been built on a deep pool of talent. This year's unit features great talent, but it will be the team effort that keeps Emory among the elite teams in D-III.