The Bryant University men’s and women’s swimming and diving programs announced held their end of the year banquet and announced their yearly awards on Sunday, April 24.
Bulldog Award:
Senior Jamie Schaefer (Durham, N.C.) and sophomore Ben Schulte (Tumon, Guam) were named the Bulldog Award recipients and received their honors at the Bryant Athletics Awards Banquet. Schaefer was a do-everything for the Black and Gold and excelled in and out of the pool over the course of the season. Schulte won his second-straight award after winning three gold medals and having a hand in seven school records at the MAAC Championships.
MVP Award:
Given to the male and female swimmer that scores the most points during the season, sophomores Colin Curtin (Wethersfield, Conn.) and Nicole Salzano (Elmwood Park, N.J.)were the winners. Bryant’s top two backstrokers, Curtin won the 100 back at the MAAC Championships, while Salzano took home 11 first-place finishes on the year.
Most Improved:
Senior Kelley Murphy (Salisbury, Md.) and sophomore Benon Boyadjian (Middlebury, Conn.)were slated as the two winners of the Most Improved Award. It is given to the two swimmers that showed the most improvement throughout the season and also personal growth in the sport.
Rookie of the Year:
Kelci Abernethy (Chandler, Ariz.), Tavish Boyle (Springfield, N.J.) and Charlie Broe (New Windsor, N.Y.) were named the three rookies of the year. Abernethy was the NEC champion in the 1 and 3 meter dive, earning NEC Diver of the Year honors. Boyle and Broe both excelled throughout the season, with Broe helping set two new school records.
Teammate of the Year:
This award is given to the male and female who were the best teammates throughout the year. Senior Lauren Doerrman (Oley, Pa.) and sophomore George Sommerville (Pittsfield, Mass.)were named the winners.
Career Award:
Senior Robert Beauchemin (Holliston, Mass.) was named the Career Award recipient, showing incredible improvements over the course of his career and putting the finishing touches on a fine time in Smithfield with an exceptional senior season.
Swimming news courtesy of Bryant Swimming & Diving.