Athletes of the Week -- TJ

This week continued our habit of improving times in large chunks. There were so many swimmers and divers who improved on their previous performances. While our continued success is great for the future it does present a dilemma for the captains and coaching staff. How can you select one athlete of the week when so many people are deserving of the award?!? Having said that, the captains and coaches would like to congratulate Helen Hoyt, Eric Cann, and Abraham Zimmerman for their performances this week.

Helen earned the honor this week for her continued growth as a swimmer. She swam a personal best in the 100 fly as well as in her freestyle split 200 freestyle relay. Helen continues to work hard every week and her times show it. She definitely represents a bright future for Madison's ladies' team.

Eric was chosen as athlete of the week because of his personal best time in the 100 fly. He also had two blazing splits in both the 200 medley and 200 free relays. His times in both relays were among the fastest posted by Madison swimmers this season. Eric's continued improvement and development as a swimmer bode well as conferences draw near.

Abraham dropped significant time tonight in his 500 freestyle. He was able to block out the distractions that come with competing against a national age-group record holder to drop his 500 time by several seconds. His mental and physical toughness helped him post a personal best time and gave his teammates needed points.

There were several other swimmers who were deserving of honorable mention. Each dropped time or put forth the kind of effort worthy of recognition. The list of honorable mentions includes: Phillip Sullivan (500 free and 100 breast times), Katie Rooney (100 breast), Mary Beth Klein (100 breast), Alex Ruleman (400 freestyle relay split), Grayson Smith (400 freestyle relay split), Ian Russiello (400 freestyle relay split), Peter Kinton (200 free and 400 freestyle relay split), Bella Maggio (400 freestyle relay split), Hannah Katinas (400 freestyle relay split).