RedHawk Swimmers Recognized at 2007-08 Awards Banquet
4/21/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Swimming and Diving
April 21, 2008
OXFORD, Ohio-- The Miami men's swimming and diving team recognized a long list of outstanding members last night at its 2007-08 Awards Banquet at Miami University's Walter L. Gross Student-Athlete Development Center.
Eight of Miami's swimmers received their first varsity award at the ceremony. The list of first-year recipients consisted of freshmen Ian Ballard, John Eick, Jason Hass, Tom Janszen and Darin Smith. Sophomore recipients were Mike Carroll, Robert Jackson and Austin Kosier.
In addition to the presentation of the varsity awards, a series of annual awards were presented. Senior swimmer Paul Ricard and junior diver Chris Heaton were named the team's Most Valuable Athletes.
Ricard finished his college career with a long list of accomplishments, including being this year's MAC Conference Champion in the 500 free and the MAC and MAC/Sun Belt Champion in the 1650 free. Ricard was also named the MAC's Outstanding Senior Swimmer. In 26 races this season, he recorded just four losses and earned the most points for the RedHawks in competition with 270.
Heaton went undefeated this season in dual meet and championship competition in the three-meter dive, and lost just twice in the one-meter dive. At the NCAA Diving Regionals, he finished eighth in the three-meter event. Heaton also was named the MAC Diver of the Year. While competing in half of the number of events as his teammates, Heaton was still able to finish with the third-highest point total with 213.
Smith received the Bill Mulliken Outstanding Freshman Award. This honor has been given annually since 1963 to the freshman swimmer who exhibits competitiveness, character and sportsmanship consistently throughout the season. Amongst his fellow freshmen, Smith scored the most points with 136 as he proved throughout the season to be a strong competitor in both the 1000 and 1650 freestyle events.
The third and final annual award presented at the banquet was the Joe Justus "Scout" Award, which was presented to Eick. This award was established in 1967 and is given to an individual who shows not only promise, but is well-respected for having a high sense of integrity, dedication and loyalty. Eick was chosen as one of the swimmers who represented Miami at the MAC/ Sun Belt Championships in the 50, 100, and 200 freestyle events. Along with his prowess in the pool, his positive demeanor and consistent integrity made him an invaluable member of the 2007-08 team.
As a team, Miami finished with a record of 6-5-1. The RedHawks finished fourth at their home Miami Invitational and second overall at the MAC Championships.
Players Mentioned
