USMMA Men's Swimming Collects Academic Accolades

KINGS POINT, N.Y. - Merchant Marine Academy men's swimming and diving team was recently named a Division III Academic All-American Team by the College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA). Only 66 of the 195 programs in the country were recognized. In addition to the team's accomplishment, juniors Jay Carpenter and Matt Ellison were individually recognized as Academic All-Americans.

"Our team's number one priority this year was to become Academic All-American," said Head Coach Sean Tedesco. "They worked hard and we are proud of their accomplishment."

Teams must have a cumulative GPA of a 2.8 or higher to be eligible for the award and student-athletes have to earn a cumulative GPA of at least a 3.5 and compete at the NCAA National Championships to be nominated. The Mariners posted a 2.820 this past year while Ellison and Carpenter each finished with a grade point average of 3.5.

Carpenter continues to excel in the classroom and pool.

"This was his third individual Academic All-American honor," said Tedesco on Carpenter. "Jay deserves this honor because he has consistently excelled in the classroom the last three years."

Ellison also had an unbelievable season and walked away with three All-American honors. One of them was for being an individual Academic All-American and the other two were swimming All-American honors.

"I am very excited for Matt," said Tedesco on Ellison. "He made academics a priority this year and his dedication has paid off."

Additionally, the men's program had a school record six swimming All-Americans - William Ansell, Jesse Bowser, Carpenter, Ellison, Scott Pearson and Stuart Whitaker - this past winter while placing 25th at the NCAA Championships. It was the program's fifth top-30 finish in the Tedesco era.

The program also won its eighth straight Skyline Conference Championship. Tedesco and his staff earned Skyline Conference Coaching staff of the Year honors while Kevin Ryan was also named Diving Coach of the Year.

Looking ahead to the 2007-08 academic year, USMMA will be hosting the inaugural Landmark Conference Swimming and Diving Championships from Feb. 15-17. After the conference meet and another two post-season events, Tedesco will look to bring several of his Midshipmen to the NCAA Championships between March 20-22.

Most importantly, Tedesco wants the club to continue to excel in the classroom this year and hopes to see both swimming and diving programs recognized after this winter.

The 2007-08 season begins when both programs travel to Rowan University on Nov. 17. The meet is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m.