July 21, 2009

Columbia, Mo. - A program high 11 members of Missouri's swimming and diving squad were recognized as Collegiate Swim Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) Scholar All-Americans. Colleen Gordon, Jill Granger and Kendra Melnychuk were first team honorees, while Lisa Nathanson, Jake Hoffmann, Brad Hubbard, Martin Cernansky, Jordan Hawley, Gilad Kaufman, Jan Konarzewski and Matt Dahlke received honorable mention recognition.

Additionally, both the men's and women's swimming and diving programs were recognized for accumulating over a 3.00 grade-point average. As a team, Missouri's men finished the year with a combined 3.10 average, good enough for 33rd in the nation and second of Big 12 men's swimming and diving programs. American University claimed top honors with a 3.54 average.

Missouri's women accumulated a 3.34 average, finishing first of their Big 12 competitors and notching a mark good enough for 41st in the nation. On the women's side, Rice University turned in the best team GPA of the year with a 3.62. average

"We are proud to have the team and athletes recognized by the CSCAA," Missouri Head Coach Brian Hoffer said. "Our athletes work hard on a daily basis to reach their goals in the classroom. We have never had this many individuals qualify as Scholar All-Americans."

The CSCAA Scholar All-Americans are selected on the basis of their performance in the pool and in the classroom. To be selected for the All-American squad, swimmers must qualify for the NCAA Championship meet and achieve a GPA of 3.50 or higher. Honorable mention selections must achieve a NCAA consideration time and 3.50 or higher GPA.

In all, a total of 471 individuals received first team accolades, while 430 were named to the honorable mention list.