The College Swimming Coaches Association of America honored four coaches at this year's annual convention. BYU men's coach Tim Powers and Minnesota's Jean Freeman both earned Distinguished Service Award during its convention in San Diego on Tuesday. Ithaca's Paula Miller was the recipient of the Richard Steadman Award while outgoing Michigan coach Jon Urbanchek was awarded the National Collegiate and Scholastic Swimming Trophy.

"It was a surprise to me," Powers said. "I really didn't know I was getting the award, so it was very nice."

Powers, entering his 30th year with BYU, recently finished a three-year term serving as president of the organization and has guided the CSCAA through a challenging time. He currently serves in an advising role with the organization.

"I've really tried to work hard for collegiate swimming and the issues that are facing our sport," Powers said. "It feels pretty good to be recognized."

Minnesota's Jean Freeman, was equally suprised. Freeman is the first-ever two-time recipient of the award, which the CSCAA successfully kept under wraps. In fact, Freeman missed the presentation.

"Before the banquet Kathie [Wickstrand-Gahen] asked me if I'd be receiving an award. I couldn't imagine why, so she asked around and was told no, so I'm taking some heat for missing it. Freeman is retiring this year after coaching the Golden Gophers for 31 years. Not all the Gopher coaches went home empty handed as men's coach Dennis Dale had a banner day in the raffle winning a television, tempo trainer, and briefcase.

Miller, won the Steadman Award which is conferred annually to a swimming or diving coach in high school, club, or university ranks who, in the opinion of the CSCAA, the International Hall of Fame and the Swimming Forum, has done the most to spread joy and happiness in Coach Steadman’s beloved sport of swimming diving.

The National Collegiate and Scholastic Trophy went to Urbanchek. The trophy is the most prestigious award of its kind and is presented to an individual or organization for having made outstanding contributions to swimming as a competitive sport and healthful recreational activity schools and colleges.

The convention wrapped up with elections with Johns Hopkins' head coach George Kennedy elected to a three-year term as president-elect. Also earning spots on the board were Jennifer Arndt of Lewis University and Miller who was re-elected to a Division III board position.

The 2005 Convention will be scheduled for Austin, TX.