Ryan Hoffer, Abbey Weitzeil Named Pac-12 Swimmers of the Month

California junior Ryan Hoffer was named the Pac-12 Conference Swimmer of the Month on Thursday following an impressive showing at the Minnesota Invitational in Minneapolis on Dec. 4-7.

In the Bears’ final meet of the 2019 calendar year, Hoffer won one individual title and two relay titles while posting NCAA “A” cuts in five total events, including four relays.

Individually, Hoffer became the first swimmer to break the 19-second mark in the 50 freestyle this season, touching the wall in 18.98 to win the event. It stands as the fastest time in the nation so far during the 2019-20 season and is also the fifth-fastest in program history.

Hoffer also played a part on two winning relays, helping Cal claim “A” cuts in the 200 medley relay (1:23.12) and the 200 free relay (1:16.01). The 200 free relay finish is the fastest in the nation so far this season. The Scottsdale, Ariz., native additionally had a hand in Cal’s “A” cuts in the 400 medley relay (3:03.89) and 400 free relay (2:50.59) events.

Hoffer is the first Bear to be tabbed as the Pac-12 Swimmer of the Month since Andrew Seliskar earned the honor in December of 2018. The Pac-12 office will shift to a weekly award system starting on Jan. 8.

Ryan Hoffer and the Bears are gearing up for a busy start to the New Year, as they will host the Cal Invitational on Jan. 18-19 and consecutive Pac-12 dual meets against Arizona and Arizona State on Jan. 24 and Jan. 25. All three meets will be held at Spieker Aquatics Complex.

Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

Abbey Weitzeil, who lowered her own American record in the 50-yard freestyle at the Minnesota Invitational last month, has been named the women’s Pac-12 Swimmer of the Month for December.

Weitzeil became the first woman ever to break 21 seconds in the 50 free when she touched in 20.90, bettering her previous record of 21.02 seconds from last spring’s NCAA Championships. She now owns the top three times and five of the six fastest times in the event.

In addition to the 50 free, Weitzeil also won the 100 free (46.52) and 200 free (1:42.25) in Minnesota and helped all five of Cal’s relays to the top of the podium. Her times put her second nationally in both the 100 and 200 free, while each Golden Bear rely rates either first or second in the country.

Weitzeil has now earned the Pac-12 Swimmer of the Month award three times, including November 2018 and December 2017.

Cal, the No. 1-ranked team in the country, returns to action with the UCLA Diving Invitational Jan. 17-19 in Los Angeles and hosts its final two dual meets of the year Jan. 24 vs. Arizona and Jan. 25 vs. Arizona. State.

Then Abbey Weitzeil and Ryan Hoffer will start preparation for the stretch run of the season.

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

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