MID-AMERICAN CONFERENCE ANNOUNCES MEN'S SWIMMER OF THE WEEK
For Immediate Release-Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009
MAC Men's Swimmer of the Week
Niklas Gustafsson- Missouri State
Freshman- Oskarshamn, Sweden
Gustafsson was one of the stronger Missouri State swimmers this weekend, as he helped the team topple Lindenwood University as well as Truman University on consecutive days. On Nov. 6 in Springfield, Gustafsson placed first in the 200 Individual Medley (1:56.11), a full 12 seconds before the first Lindenwood swimmer. Gustafsson also placed first in the 500 Freestyle (4:40.37). On the following day, Missouri State traveled to Truman State where Gustafsson competed in three events, displaying his versatility. Gustafsson won the 1,000 Freestyle (9:44.83), and then swam both the 200 Freestyle (1:54.92) and the 100 Freestyle (51.55).
Additional Nominees:
Matt Zavislak, Eastern Michigan- Sophomore, Commerce Twp., Mich. (Walled Lake North High)
Zavislak raced to three wins in leading the Eagles to a dual meet victory over Buffalo last Friday. Zavislak paced the 400 Medley Relay team to a MAC-best time (3:25.02) and added individual wins in the 50 and 100 Freestyle as well. His 50 time (21.28) is second-fastest conference mark, while his 100 (46.74) is tops among MAC swimmers. The Eagle men have stretched their MAC dual meet winning streak to 54 straight meets after their 180-120 win over Buffalo last Friday.
Kenny Rhoades, Buffalo- Junior, Brighton, N.Y.
Rhoades won three of his four diving events, winning both the one and three-meter events against Ball State, scoring 297.22 points on the one-meter board and 318.90 points on the three-meter board to help Buffalo pick up their first MAC win of the season. Rhoades also won the one-meter event against Eastern Michigan with a score of 280.87.
Chris Krupa, Ball State - Sophomore, Indianapolis, Ind. (Pike High School)
Chris Krupa chipped in 17 individual points for Ball State in Saturday's meet at Buffalo, winning the 200 Butterfly (1:58.40) while placing second in the 100 Butterfly (52.46) and 200 Individual Medley (2:03.51).
Previous Men's Swimmers of the Week
Oct. 21: Roko Simunic - Missouri State
Oct. 27: Chris Gunnels - Miami
Nov. 3: Nicola Villaroel- Missouri State