The 2007-2008 swimming season is underway along with National Collegiate Swimmer-of-the-Week (NCSW) honors. Julia Wilkinson (Texas A&M University) and Michael Wolfe (University of Tennessee) claimed NCSW honors for Division I. Megan Gordon (University of South Dakota) and Alican Alaci (University of Indianapolis) grabbed Division II NCSW honors this week. While Ruth Westby (Emory University) and Keith Diggs (Emory University) took Division III NCSW honors. The six were selected based on their performances October 8 -October 21, 2007 by a panel of collegiate coaches and nominated by coaches, sports information directors, conference representatives and CollegeSwimming.com staffers. Awards for October 23-28 are due Monday at Noon

Julia Wilkinson, Texas A&M University
Jr., Stratford, Ont.
One day after a second consecutive sweep of swimming events at the Big 12 Relays, the Big 12 champion Texas A&M women's swimming & diving team rolled to dual meet wins over host Iowa State and Missouri at Gabrielsen Natatorium. The Aggies recorded 177-104 and 158-116 wins over the Cyclones and Tigers, respectively, to start their dual meet season at 2-0. Julia Wilkinson did a number on the 200 Individual Medley field by winning in an NCAA consideration and pool record time (2:03.89), nearly three-and-a-half seconds ahead of second place finisher. She also led a 1-2 A&M finish in the 100 backstroke (56.18).

Michael Wolfe, University of Tennessee
Sr., Bartlesville, OK
The Tennessee men’s swimming and diving team began the 2007-08 season with a victory over the Louisville Cardinals, 165-130. Senior captain Michael Wolfe led the team with two victories. Wolfe won the 200 backstroke (1:47.57) and butterfly (1:47.87). Wolfe’s time in the 200 butterfly was an NCAA consideration time.

Megan Gordon, University of South Dakota
Sr., Grand Rapids, MN.
Gordon, a six-time All-American, set two individual records and was part of a record-setting relay to help lead the University of South Dakota women’s swimming and diving team to a 123-120 dual win over North Dakota on Saturday at the DakotaDome Pool. Gordon established an individual pool (meters) record in the leadoff leg of USD’s winning women’s 400 medley relay (1:06.29), which set the school and pool (meters) record (4:32.36). Gordon also set the school-pool (meters) record in the 200 backstroke (2:24.89). In addition, Gordon achieved two NCAA provisional (B) cuts in the lead off backstroke leg of the 400 medley relay (1:06.29) and the 200 backstroke (2:24.89).

Alican Alaci, University of Indianapolis
Fr., Istanbul, Turkey
Behind the strength of four NCAA consideration times and a new school record, the University of Indianapolis swimming and diving teams each notched wins over host Ashland University on Saturday. The Greyhound men cruised to a 136-95 win. Alican Alacli etched a new UIndy record in the men’s 1,000-yard freestyle (9:34.66) at the meet, which was one the NCAA consideration times. His time bested a UIndy mark which stood for 20 years (9:47.89- John Ham). He also turned in the winning time in the 200 butterfly (1:59.69).

Ruth Westby, Emory University
So., Dunwoody, GA
Emory University’s Ruth Westby finished first in three events and recorded two NCAA provisional qualifying times while competing against Division I Davidson College (N.C.). Westby finished first in both the 200 freestyle (1:54.80) and the 100 freestyle (52.05). Both times were provisional qualifying times under the 2007 standards. In addition, the sophomore was part of Emory’s first place 400 medley relay team (4:00.95), which was less than half a second shy of a provisional qualifying time. Westby’s performance helped the Eagles to a 127-116 win over Davidson.

Keith Diggs, Emory University
Jr., Vienna, VA
Emory University’s Keith Diggs recorded first-place finishes in two events, helping the Eagles to a 124-92 victory of Division I Davidson College (N.C.) on Saturday. Diggs finished first in the 1,000 freestyle (9:44.86), just over a second shy of his personal-best mark in the event. The junior was also part of Emory’s first place 400 medley relay (3:33.53) team, which won the event.

Underwriting for The National Swimmer-of-the-Week Awards is provided by Counsilman-Hunsaker & Associates, a multi-service engineering, planning, and design firm that specializes in aquatic facilities. For more information visit www.aquaticconsultant.com.