Emory University sophomores Oliver Smith and Julia Wawer were named the UAA Swimmers of the Week on Monday afternoon. It is the first time either swimmer has been recognized as an athlete of the week in their respective careers.
Smith continued his recent stretch of dominance in the 50 Free against Div. II Delta State on Saturday afternoon, claiming his third straight victory in the event with an NCAA qualifying time of 20.66. Smith has not lost a 50 Free event to a non-DI opponent this season and owns the best Division III time this season at 19.92. The Milan, MI native added a fourth place showing in the 100 Free at 47.71 and swam the final leg in both of Emory's relay events. The 200 Free Relay took first with an NCAA qualifying time of 1:23.05 while the 200 Medley quartet placed second at 1:32.74.
Wawer led a balanced effort from the Eagles in their pair of victories over two highly ranked Division II programs, Delta St. and West Florida, on Saturday afternoon. Wawer claimed first place in the 500 Free with a time of 5:05.69, added a second place finish in the 200 Free, touching at 1:53.91 and swam the final leg of Emory's 200 Free Relay "B" team that came in fifth with a time of 1:39.94.
The Eagles return to the pool this weekend as they host the University of the South on Friday evening at 5:00 PM before traveling across town to face Georgia Tech on Saturday morning at 11:00 AM.
The following athletes have been named the UAA Athletes of the Week previously this season:
Women:
Cindy Cheng - October 5th
Annelise Kowalsky – October 26th, November 16th
Mara Rosenstock – October 26th, November 23rd
Fiona Muir - December 7th
Rebecca Upton - January 11th
Julia Wawer - January 25th
Men:
Mitchell Cooper - October 5th, November 16th, January 11th
Christian Baker – October 26th, December 7th
Oliver Smith - January 25th