Wisconsin Sweeps Big Ten Awards

MADISON, Wisconsin, October 10. THE Big Ten Conference office announced Tuesday that Wisconsin freshmen Derrick O’Donnell and Gabby Maddalena were named Big Ten Swimmers of the Week, and sophomore Kelly Todd and freshman Jenny Hawkins were selected as Big Ten Divers of the Week, as the University of Wisconsin men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams claimed all four awards.

Both UW teams routed UW-Green Bay in last Friday’s season opener. Maddalena, who helped the women win 218.5-78.5, earned the title in the 1000-yard freestyle (10:10.70) and the 500-yard freestyle (5:00.88).

O’Donnell, meanwhile, won the 100-yard breaststroke with a time of 59.83, the only sub-one minute time in the event. In addition, he took second place in both the 200-yard breaststroke (2:11.87) and the 200-yard IM (1:59.19) as the men’s squad posted a 190-106 triumph.

“It’s pretty special to see two freshmen step in and get wins in their first collegiate dual meet,” head coach Eric Hansen said. “Although we had upperclassmen with more wins, for freshmen to do what they did is significant. They are on the path to being large contributors for us for the next four years.”

In diving, Todd was the highest finisher for the Badger men, capturing second place on both the 1-meter board (264.08) and the 3-meter board (220.73). Hawkins won the boards with scores of 212.33 and 237.30, respectively.

“Both Kelly and Jenny got themselves off to a great start,” diving coach Tom Michaël said. “They have a real grasp of the concepts I’m teaching, and I’m looking forward to more successes from them.”

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