SWIMMING AND DIVING TEAM HOLDS AWARDS BANQUET

DURHAM, N.H. - The University of New Hampshire women's swimming and diving team recently held it's annual awards banquet at the Sheraton Inn in Portsmouth. The evening highlighted the team's accomplishments over the 2009-10 season.

Finishing in third place at the America East Swimming and Diving Championships, the Wildcats took first place in eight of 18 events, more than any other school. That weekend, the Wildcats broke eight school and seven conference records, while qualifying for NCAA provisional time standards in six swims.

Evelyn Yuen

Individuals recognized for exceptional seasons included Shelli Reed (Hollister, Calif.) who was selected as the team's Rookie of the Year. Reed helped the Wildcats earn a record-setting first-place finish at the America East Championships in the 400-yard medley relay with a time of 3 minutes 44.72 seconds, breaking the old record by almost two seconds. In addition to Reed (56.69), the relay consisted of Amy Perrault (Kirkland Lake, Ontario; 55.01) and Allison Nahin (Hartland, Wis.; 1:02.55).

Reed also chipped in with a solid performance at the championships in the 400-yard freestyle relay, finishing in second place with an NCAA provisional time of 3:24.08. Kiersten Wollenzien (Holland Landing, Ontario), Mallory Morrell (Rush, N.Y.) and Perrault also added to the impressive swim.

Reed, along with Sydney Tribou (Belle Island, Fla.), Perrault and Wollenzien also set a new pool and America East record in the 800-yard freestyle relay with a time of 7:21.11 seconds. The impressive time was also a school record.

In addition, New Hampshire broke a pool and an America East championship record with a time of 1:42.24 in the 200-yard medley relay. Perrault once again led the way for UNH, as she was closely followed by teammates Nahin, Reed and Morrell. For UNH, both times in each event qualify for NCAA provisional time standards.

Amy Perrault

Aside from her stellar team performances in the America East Championships, Perrault was just as impressive individually, as she earned the team's Most Valuable Swimmer Award capping off an incredible season.

Perrault captured three individual titles at the Championships, earning the America East Women's Most Outstanding Swimmer of the Meet award. The honor was the junior's second major award at the championships all-time, as she was also selected as the America East Rookie of the Meet at the championships in 2008. Included in Perrault's three first place finishes were two record breaking performances, as she set a team and conference record in both the 100-back (54.67) and 200-back (1:58.59). In addition, she also captured first place in the 200-yard individual medley with a time of 2:2.71.

The team's Most Improved Award went to Wollenzien. Providing steady production for the 'Cats throughout the season, she contributed valiantly at the America East Championships. In addition to her role in the 400 and 800 free relays, she teamed up with Anna Gyglewska (Norwalk, Conn.), Kelsey Gillespie (Falmouth, Maine) and Morrell in the 200 free relay, earning a third place finish in a team record time of 1:35.40.

The Richard J. Hegerich Golden Goggle Award or Seventh Player Award was given to Casey Albert (Enfield, N.H.). The memorial award is named for former UNH Swimmer Rich Hegerich, who was killed by a drunk driver in 2004. It was presented by Rich's father Rich recognizing Casey's enthusiasm, dedication, team spirit and love of the sport that Rich so vibrantly demonstrated.

Kiersten Wollenzien

The Coaches' Award was given to Evelyn Yuen (Princeton, N.J.). The award recognizes the upperclassman that best exemplifies UNH Swimming and Diving. It reflects upon the characteristics of leadership, ability to be a role model, commitment to the team and overall contribution to the team both philosophically and athletically. Evelyn's dedication and maturity set an example for both swimmers and divers this season.

Captains for the 2010-11 season were announced at the end of the evening. Whitney Powers (Bedford, N.H.) '12 and Gillespie '11 were elected captains for the upcoming season.