April 16, 2007

Chicago, Ill.- After another season chock-full of accomplishments, head coach Paul Moniak and the UIC swimming and diving program recognized the student-athletes who achieved the bevy of accolades in 2006-07 at the annual UIC Swimming & Diving Awards Banquet at the Chicago Athletic Association.

Senior Blake Booher wrapped up his storied collegiate career this past season as the Horizon League Male Athlete of the Year, and the Barrington native took home more hardware over the weekend as the UIC Men's Swimmer of the Year.

Booher was also recognized for his NCAA Championship Consideration Qualifying Time of :19.97 in the 50-yard freestyle that currently serves as a Horizon League all-time record.

The UIC Women's Swimmer of the Year award went to two honorees this year, as senior Kelly Hyatt and junior Andrea Giczewski each captured the designation for their versatile team-leading efforts this past campaign.

The Men's and Women's Diver of the Year awards were no shockers, as seniors Mark Pappalardo and Sarah Economides took home the accolades once again.

Shaina Israel went from walk-on to distance standout during her rookie campaign to receive the Women's Newcomer of the Year honor, while Horizon League relay record-holders and multiple-time league event finalists Cameron Seebeck and Brenden Dougherty shared the Men's Newcomer of the Year award.

On the Most Improved Award side of the program, Dan Hare, Nick Hatfield and Tristan Oleynik engaged in a three-way tie for the men's version of the award while Giczewski and diver Brittany Daem shared the women's recognition.

UIC's 2006-07 seniors, which included Booher, Hyatt, Pappalardo, Economides, Jessica Darud, Emily Biancalana, Josh Johnson, Mike Conroy, Ryan Fitzer, Edi Georg, Meghan Daly and Lisa Nelson, were also recognized for their career contributions at the banquet.