The University of Idaho presented swim coach Tom Jager with an Outstanding Employee Award at the 2007 Staff Awards Reception Monday.

“It was an honor I was singled out from this large group of people who really make me who I am,” Jager said. “Any person who is recognized has a huge group of people around him to make it happen.”

The award is presented to non-faculty staff members who are believed to be outstanding by their co-workers and supervisors.

In his nomination letters, Jager was praised as a “consummate leader in every aspect of his program” and for his work ethic, which “sets an example for the rest of the department.”

The university also recognized Jager’s work in and around the community and for his participation in Moscow’s youth swim program and the numerous swim clinics he conducts.

Members of the University of Idaho swim team also commended Jager for his dedication to the program.

“He demands excellence in a way that makes you want it more than you ever have before,” one of his student-athletes said.

Jager joined the University of Idaho in 2004 with the goal of returning the school’s swim team to prominence after the program’s 20- year absence. The swim team has improved each of its first three seasons under Jager.

“I work hard because [athletic director Rob Spear] works hard and everyone is led by example,” Jager said. “It is important for me to acknowledge my level of work ethic and expectations are only following what I see in the athletic department.”

Prior to joining Idaho, Jager was an Olympic and collegiate swimmer. Jager won five Olympic Gold Medals over his career, in addition to 11 NCAA national titles at UCLA. He also is a member of the International Swimming Hall of Fame.

The Outstanding Employee Awards were established in 1972 with the goal to encourage support and recognition of staff for their dedication and hard work on behalf of the university.