The Boston College swim program held their annual team banquet this past weekend. A number of athletes were honored during the program. Listed below are the awards handed out, the history behind the awards and the athlete that received the honor.
The Schwartz – Excellence Award
– Named after Lauren Schwartz ’02 – the award acknowledges team members who consistently go above and beyond which aide them to be successful swimmers, leaders, students, and people.
– Sophomore Julie Dobson and senior Anthony Richardson earned the Schwartz Excellence Award for the 2016-2017 season. Dobson was recognized for her exceptional consistency in completing the simple disciplines that lead to greater success, and Richardson was praised for testing the limits of the human mind, body, and spirit in every practice and competition.
Kevin Conway Award – Promises Fulfilled
– Named after Kevin Conway ’84 – Conway was a swimmer and diver at BC during his sophomore year who had developed a detailed training plan for his junior season. Tragically, Kevin never had the chance to fulfil his promises after passing away during that summer. This award honors outstanding members of the sophomore class who made the most of what was available to them and fulfilled their promises.
– Senior Maria Abrams and sophomore Charlie Kleinsmith earned the Kevin Conway Award for the 2016-2017 season. Abrams was honored for her successful sophomore season, and for the impact her work-ethic and enthusiasm had on the culture of the program. Kleinsmith was recognized for his outstanding commitment to his training and the substantial improvement it led to.
Mary Pawlak Award – Special Recognition
– Named after Mary Pawlak ’88 – Pawlak was a swimmer and assistant coach for the Eagles who succumbed to Hodgkin’s disease after one season. Her contributions to the program were special, and this award was fittingly named after Mary to recognize noteworthy contributions from individuals on the team.
– The three captains of the women’s team (Gracie Kunkel, Abbi Kordell, Hanna Hunstad) were recognized for their outstanding leadership throughout a coaching transition. The men’s captains (Conor Chamness, Cole Malatesta, Dave Howard, Josh Williams) were praised for their impact in defining a culture; one where student-athletes on the team were unafraid to fully commit themselves to achieving a goal.
Harold M. Groden M.D. Award – Outstanding Performance
Harold M. Groden M.D. was a former Boston College student-athlete from the class of 1935 and father of former BC head coach Tom Groden. This award recognizes outstanding performances since it was dedicated in Dr. Groden’s honor in 1985.
– Senior Anthony Richardson‘s performance in the 500 yd. Freestyle at the Terrier Invitational broke the last standing school record. The class of 2017 has officially seen every single men’s’ school record fall during their four years on the Heights.
– Sophomore Taylor Cortens‘ time of 1:47.12 at the Terrier Invitational broke the school record, the Boston University Pool Record, and earned him consideration for the NCAA Championships.
– Freshman Victoria Lin‘s victory in the 200 yd. butterfly at the Terrier Invitational was a lifetime best swim by two seconds, and the third fastest time in Boston College history.
Most Valuable Performers
– Senior Anthony Richardson leaves the program holding ten school records, two Flynn Recreation Complex Pool records, and ranks 10th all-time in career scoring.
– Sophomore Taylor Cortens set six school records during the 2016-2017 season, three of which qualified as NCAA B standard times.
– Senior Gracie Kunkel graduates as the 6th fastest 50 yd. Freestyle swimmer in school history and was a key member of the school record-setting 200 Medley Relay team. Her talent and leadership were essential to the team’s success throughout the season.
– Sophomore Erika Freeman successfully took down the school record in the 200 yd. freestyle previously held by Caroline Byron ’09, who still holds the most wins of any female swimmer. Freeman’s individual and relay contributions all season long were a major factor in the success of the women’s team this year.
Tom Groden “Heart of an Eagle” Award
– Named after Coach Tom Groden, who after 45 years as the head coach at BC resigned in December of 2016. This award is meant to honor the student-athlete who demonstrates the most heart and dedication to the program.
– Senior Josh Williams was awarded the first Tom Groden “Heart of an Eagle” Award for the remarkable care he showed toward the program and the individuals it was composed of throughout his four years.
News courtesy of Boston College Athletics.
New, young AD from Ohio State just hired so hopefully they will upgrade the swimming program to ACC standards, their confrence in football and b-ball. Too much potential at BC to continue to underachieve.
Any word on who the new coach will be?