Amanda Smith was one of the many Bobcat women on the swimming and diving team who were recognized at the Mid-American Conference Championship.
Of 27 student-athletes across the MAC, The 2004-2005 Academic All-MAC Women's Swimming Team honored Smith for her notable excellence in academics as well as for her swimming prowess.
Ohio swimming and diving currently has the second-highest GPA of all Ohio sports programs. This honor marks the 10th year in upholding the team's reputation as the NCAA Academic All-American team for excellent academics.
Not only did Smith secure a spot on the roster, she swam her best times in three events, including the 1650 freestyle, last weekend at the MAC Championships.
Bittersweet Defeat
The Ohio women's swimming and diving team was one event away from nabbing the championship but fell short to Miami for the fourth straight year.
During the three-day MAC swimming and diving Championships, the Bobcats took the lead against Miami after winning three of six places in the 1650 freestyle. Jessica Waites, Michaela Hahn-Lawson, and Amanda Smith placed in the race and each swam a career-best time.
Adding to the achievements, two Bobcats, Sigal Simsolo and Emily Wylam, placed in the top five in the 200 backstroke. Coming in third place in the 100 freestyle, Ilse Petersen also swam a career-best time.
There was a lot of anticipation at the meet
senior Jessica Waites said. I can't express how happy and sad and relieved and scared I was. It flew by so fast and we were working up to this all season.
Unfortunately, not placing in the top 10 of the 200 breaststroke, Ohio ultimately took second to Miami in the championship.
Despite the loss, the meet yielded many positive outcomes. Peterson and Hahn-Lawson, both freshmen, were awarded First Team All-MAC honors.
For the next MAC Championships, new swimmers definitely have some shoes to fill but should be confident Waites said, because every year someone does something amazing that they didn't think they could ever do.
Being honored at the MAC Championshipc, you are not just getting the award for yourself it shows that you are a big asset to the team
said Waites, who was awarded the Second Team All-MAC along with Wylam.
As for plans after college swimming, Waites said I want to be in a high school coaching position ... because once you've been a swimmer
it's in your blood.
Active Athletes in Community
Ohio athletes spread a valuable message in the community. Student-Athlete Advisory Committee members visited Athens Middle School health classes Tuesday.
Their purpose was to educate junior high students about the dangers and consequences of alcohol consumption and how to make conscientious decisions about drinking.
The organization consists of 16 student-athletes who compete in lacrosse, football, soccer, track and field, swimming and diving, golf and softball.
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