Auburn’s Margaret Hoelzer Named SEC Female Athlete of the Week

AUBURN, Ala., Feb. 4. AUBURN swimmer Margaret Hoelzer captured the Southeastern Conference's female Athlete of the Week award following the Tigers' win over rival Alabama, the conference office announced on Tuesday, Feb. 4.

Hoelzer, a Huntsville, Ala., native, received the award following her pair of victories in the top-ranked Tigers' victory over the Crimson Tide on Friday, Jan. 31, at the Alabama Aquatic Center.

The sophomore secured her second NCAA automatic time of the season as she won the 100 back in a time of 55.05 and then added to her collection of provisional times as she was the first to stop the clock in the 500 freestyle (4:52.02), giving her six NCAA times total.

"It is really exciting because those really aren't my main events, they are more off events for me, so it is really an honor (to be named SEC athlete of the week)," Hoelzer said. "Hopefully there will be a lot more to come with SEC's and NCAA's right around the corner."

A three-time All-American and the 2002 SEC Champion in the 200 backstroke as a freshman, Hoelzer currently holds the top time in the SEC in the 200 backstroke (1:56.11) while also be ranked in the top ten in the
conference in the 200 freestyle (1:47.55), 100 backstroke (55.05), 100 butterfly (55.28) and 200 butterfly (1:59.34).

This is the second week in a row that a Tiger has been named the SEC Athlete of the Week as teammate Eileen Coparropa was honored with the award last week.

Hoelzer, Coparropa and the rest of the Tigers have finished their dual meet season but it is not too late to see them swim as Auburn plays host to both the 2003 SEC Men's and Women's and 2003 NCAA Women's Swimming
and Diving Championships. Tickets still remain for each and can be purchased by calling 1-800-AUB-1957 or 334-844-4040.

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