Swimming and Diving Hands Out Season Awards

April 27, 2010

EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan State swimming and diving team handed out their team awards at this year's annual banquet which was held on Sunday.

"I'm happy for all our winners," said MSU head coach Matt Gianiodis. "It was tough to pick winners in every category because we had so many great performers this season. Everyone that won was certainly worthy, they earned it."

Freshman Jacob Jarzen, who was the Big Ten Freshman of the Year, was named Men's Swimmer of the Year. Jarzen set eight school records in his first season and competed at this year's NCAA Championships.

"It's pretty impressive for him to earn that honor, he had such a great year," said Gianiodis.

Junior Becca Ebner was named Women's Swimmer of the Year. Ebner set the school mark in the 100 butterfly (55.05) this season at the Big Ten Championships and posted a varsity top-10 in the 200 butterfly (2:01.91).

"She has really earned it and done very well this season," Gianiodis said.

Sarah Clay was named Women's Diver of the Year while Ivan Zalessov garnered Men's Diver of the Year honors. Zalessov owns all three school records while both competed at NCAA Zones this year.

For the first time in program history, two people shared the Kevin Zielinski Heart Award as Garrett Ruhland and Laura DeFord both earned the award. For only the second time since the award's inception, there was a repeat recipient of the John Munley Memorial Scholarship as Ricky Forrest again claimed the honor.

"It's really impressive that Ricky has become a two-time recipient," Gianiodis said. "That scholarship has truly become a very important part our program."

A complete list of all the award winners is below:

Michigan State Swimming & Diving
2009-2010 Season Award Winners

Jack Seibold Award for Leadership
Joe Schmitt

Jennifer Parks Award for Leadership
Erinn Wertz

Men's John
Mark Schramm

Women's John
Tori Merritt

Women's Spartan of the Year Award
Kayla Kalmbach

Men's Jason
Sho Koba

Women's Swimmer of the Year
Becca Ebner

Men's Swimmer of the Year
Jacob Jarzen

Women's Diver of the Year
Sarah Clay

Men's Diver of the Year
Ivan Zalessov