Athletes of the Meet - Washington & Lee

Congratulations to both Joel Hines and Megan Fitzpatrick on being selected as athletes of the meet from tonight's victories against Washington & Lee.

Joel earned his recognition for his continued improvement and contribution to the team. Joel continues to improve and is on the cusp of earning a berth in the region meet. Tonight's meet was easily one of the best in Joel's career. The team looks forward to watching Joel continue to grow and improve as we move through the season.

Megan was named athlete of the meet for her many great swims tonight. She started the night by helping her medley relay edge out Washington & Lee for second place. She followed up that event with a personal best in both the 200 IM and the 100 backstroke. She also posted one of the fastest splits in her career as part of the 200 freestyle relay.

There were several other athletes who deserve honorable mention for their performances during the meet, including:

1. Rachael Holp -- Rachael had a strong meet tonight, including a gritty win in the 200 IM against Anna Keating. She took first place in both the IM and the 100 backstroke and was a key member of two first-place relays.
2. Anna Keating -- Anna not only put up a very exciting IM race but also posted a strong split in the 400 freestyle relay. Her time in the 100 breaststroke was the second-fastest in Madison history only behind her school-record time from last night. 
3. Julia Downing -- Julia not only posted a strong split as the anchor of the 200 medley relay, but more importantly, she was able to win close races to earn points for the team. Julia's swim in the 200 freestyle relay helped make sure her team won the event. She understands how to compete and her never-say-die attitude in races helps make her and the team successful.
4. Elizabeth Kuhlkin -- Elizabeth was a steady performer all week for the women's team. She won both of her individual events tonight (100 freestyle and 100 butterfly), and was also on two first-place relays. Elizabeth is right on her personal-best times and is primed to have a breakout season when we reach championship season.
5. Anna Miller -- Anna's split in the 200 freestyle relay was easily the fastest of her career. She is a steady contributor in both the 100 breaststroke and butterfly as well. Anna is an incredibly reliable swimmer who is consistently on (or better) than her personal best time.
6. Jackson Ayers -- Jackson returned to form tonight in both the 50 and 100 freestyle events. He dropped two seconds in his 100 freestyle and posted a season-best time in the 50 freestyle. Jackson also continues to provide strong leadership both in the pool and on the deck.
7. Jack Galbraith -- Jack built on his success last night by posting his fastest time ever in the 100 backstroke in a high school meet. His split in the 400 freestyle is faster than any split from last year. Jack is well on his way to a breakout season.
8. Cole Dyson -- Cole continued his great weekend with two more strong swims. He posted a personal best in the 100 backstroke while just missing the regional cut in the 500 freestyle. Cole continues to make significant strides and is an essential factor in the success of the team.