July 7, 2009

DALLAS (SMU) - The SMU men's and women's swimming teams have each been named Scholar-Athlete Teams by the Collegiate Swim Coaches Association of America, the organization announced recently. In addition, a total of 11 student-athletes earned individual recognition, with six earning First-Team CSCAA Scholar All-American accolades.

The men's team earned a top-10 ranking, placing eighth in the country with a cumulative GPA of 3.33, just three-tenths of a point behind Notre Dame and Denver for sixth place, which each posted marks of 3.36. American University topped the men's side with a cumulative average of 3.54.

Individually, the Mustangs had four swimmers honored by the organization, with Thomas Fadnes and Grega Plevelj earning First-Team All-American honors, while Edward Downes and Mitchell Thomson were Honorable Mention selections.

The women's team surpassed the men's team, ranking among the top-five in the nation in a fifth-place tie with Duke University with an overall 3.52 cumulative GPA. Fellow Conference-USA member Rice led the nation with a 3.62 team GPA.

Seven Lady Mustangs earned individual honors, with Audra Egenolf, Devon Callaghan, Christy-Leigh Lategan and Sascha Van den Branden named to the first team, and Jennifer Basel, Denisa Smolenova and Gabriela Soza collecting honorable mention accolades.

In order to be named an All-American Scholar-Athlete Team, the members must combine for a cumulative GPA of 3.0. Student-athletes must maintain at least a 3.50 GPA to qualify for the All-American teams individually.