Ally McHugh Earns Penn State’s Oswald Award

Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

A quartet of Nittany Lion seniors have earned accolades from Penn State for their achievements in academics, athletics and leadership.

Jason Nolf (wrestling) and Emily Ogle (women’s soccer) have been selected as the 2018-19 recipients of the Ernest B. McCoy Memorial Award. Kelsey Crow (women’s hockey) was named the recipient of the University’s Eric A. Walker Award and Ally McHugh (women’s swimming and diving) is among the John W. Oswald Award honorees.

All four were recognized at the Penn State Student Awards ceremony March 31 at Eisenhower Auditorium.

Photo Courtesy: Penn State Athletics

The McCoy Award has been presented annually since 1971 to one senior female and one senior male student-athlete who have combined successful athletic participation with academic excellence. The award is named for Ernie McCoy, the long-time dean of Penn State’s College of Physical Education, who also served as the University’s athletic director.

The 2018 McCoy Award recipients were Zain Retherford (wrestling) and Haleigh Washington (women’s volleyball). The most recent women’s soccer McCoy honoree was Britt Eckerstrom in 2016.

The Eric A. Walker Award is presented annually to a graduating student who has contributed most to enhancing the reputation of the University through extracurricular activities. Walker was president of Penn State from 1956-70.

The John W. Oswald Award, established in 1983, annually recognizes graduating seniors who have provided outstanding leadership in at least one of several areas of activity at the University. The award consists of a medallion honoring John W. Oswald, president of the University from 1970-83.

Ally McHugh

A 2018-19 team co-captain, McHugh is on schedule to graduate in May with a degree in biobehavioral health. Following graduation, the College Swimming Coaches Association of America Academic All-American will be continuing her training in Madison, Wisconsin, in preparation for the 2020 U.S. Olympic trials.

McHugh, a member of the U.S National team, is a two-time NCAA medalist in the women’s 1650 freestyle as she brought home a gold medal win in the 2019 Championships after earning a silver medal at the 2018 NCAA Championships. McHugh is the first swimmer in Penn State women’s swimming and diving history to win an NCAA individual championship.

McHugh also won the women’s 400 IM at the 2018 USA Swimming National Championships.

From Philadelphia, McHugh is a two-time All-America in the 1650 free, as well as a four-time honorable mention All-America in the 500 free (2018), 1650 free (2017) and 400 IM (2017, 2019). She is also a four-time Big Ten Championships medalist earning two gold and two silver during her collegiate career. She claimed gold in both 2018 and 2019 in the 1650 free, setting a meet record for her 2018 swim (15:43.34). She brought home silver in the 400 IM in 2017 and 2018. McHugh holds four Penn State records in the 500 free, 1000 free, 1650 free and 400 IM.

— The above press release was posted by Swimming World in conjunction with Penn State University Athletics. For press releases and advertising inquiries please contact Advertising@SwimmingWorld.com.

Name*

Email*

Welcome to our community. We invite you to join our discussion. Our community guidelines are simple: be respectful and constructive, keep on topic, and support your fellow commenters. Commenting signifies that you agree to our Terms of Use

Name*

Email*

2 Comments

Oldest

Newest Most Voted

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments

Pat Kennedy

5 years ago

Congratulations to Miss Ally!!

Thomas A. Small

5 years ago

Congratulations