BOSTON – The Harvard
men's swimming and diving team honored the success of the
2008-09 season by handing out the team awards at its annual
end-of-season banquet Saturday at the Harvard Club of Boston.
Junior Alex Meyer, who will serve
as a team co-captain for the 2009-10 campaign, took home two of the
major awards at the banquet. First, Meyer was bestowed with
the Reid Jorgensen Trophy as the team's most improved
junior. Meyer, who placed 25th at the NCAA Championships in
the 1,650 freestyle and won the 1,000 and 1,650 free at the Ivy
League Championships, was also awarded the Eugene B. Wyman Trophy,
given to the squad's top scorer in dual meets. Meyer
was a two-time All-Ivy League first-team selection.
Next, the William J. Brooks Trophy,
given annually to the swimmer or diver who contributes the most to
the success of the team, was given to sophomore diver Zac Ranta. Ranta placed 11th in the
three-meter board at the NCAA Zone A Diving Championships and was
fifth in the three-meter at the Ivy League Championships.
Senior Bill Jones, a four-time All-Ivy League
selection this season and an Academic All-Ivy choice, took home the
Stowell Trophy, presented annually to the senior who, through
perseverance, diligence and untiring self-sacrifice, has most
improved during his college career. Jones helped the Crimson
to an Ivy title in the 200 medley relay and qualified for the NCAA
Championships in the 100 and 200 butterfly. He finished 28th
in the 100 fly at the NCAA meet.
Finally, senior co-captains David
Guernsey and Eric Lynch
were awarded the Harold S. Ulen Trophy, given annually to the
senior who best demonstrates those qualities of leadership,
sportsmanship and team cooperation. Lynch was named to the
All-Ivy League second team in the 1,000 freestyle and 800 freestyle
relay, while Guernsey was tabbed to the All-Ivy first team in the
200 medley relay and the second team in the 800 free relay and 400
medley relay.
The awards banquet capped a strong season for the men's
swimming and diving team, which finished 8-1 overall and 6-1 in the
Ivy League. The team was ranked No. 22 in the final national
poll and placed second at the Ivy League and ECAC Championships.
2008-09 Harvard Men's Swimming and Diving Team Awards
presented April 4, 2009
The Reid Jorgensen Trophy
Alex Meyer '10
The Reid Jorgensen Trophy is given annually to the junior who,
through perseverance, diligence and untiring self-sacrifice, has
most improved during his college career. The trophy was established
by a number of valued friends from the Class of 1935 in Jorgensen's
honor.
The William J. Brooks Trophy
Zac Ranta '11
The Brooks Trophy is given annually to the swimmer or diver who
contributes the most to the success of the team. The trophies were
established by William J. Brooks, Harvard's swimming coach from
1959 through 1971.
The Stowell Trophy
Bill Jones '09
The Stowell Trophy is given annually to the senior who, through
perseverance, diligence, and untiring self-sacrifice, has most
improved during his college career. The trophy was established
during the 1961-62 season by E. Esty Stowell '34 and Lonsdale F.
Stowell '41.
The Eugene B. Wyman Trophy
Alex Meyer '10
The Wyman Trophy is given annually to the team member who scores
the most points in dual meets. The trophy was established after the
1934-35 season by Dr. Eugene B. Wyman 1904, a Harvard Square
dentist who had been officiating at Harvard swimming meets since
the Indoor Athletic Building opened in 1930.
The Harold S. Ulen Trophy
David Guernsey '09 and Eric Lynch '09
The Ulen Trophy is given annually to the senior who best
demonstrates those qualities of leadership, sportsmanship and team
cooperation as best exemplified by Harold S. Ulen. Ulen was
Harvard's head swimming coach from 1930 until 1959, compiling a
219-48 record.
