WARRIOR SWIM TEAMS HOLD ANNUAL BANQUET

WILLIAMSPORT, PA – The Lycoming College swimming program recently held its annual year-end banquet. Several student-athletes were honored as part of the evening’s festivities.

Steve Hawley (Fr./New Cumberland, PA; Trinity) and Kelly Sykes (Fr./Willimantic, CT; Windham) were named the most valuable performers for the men’s and women’s teams, respectively.

Hawley was one of the Warriors top sprinters throughout the season. At the conference championships, he placed second in the 100 backstroke, third in the 50 freestyle, and 11^th in the 100 free. He also set a new school record in the 100 backstroke and was a member of three record-setting relay teams.

Sykes was a backstroke specialist and sprinter for the women’s squad. She placed 2^nd in the 100 back, 4^th in the 200 back, and 6^th in the 50 free at the MAC Championships. She also set a new school record in the 100 back during the season.

Rebecca Fox (So./Middletown, NJ; Middletown South) was named the recipient of the Mort Rauff Award for Excellence. The award is given in memory and honor of long time swim coach and friend Mort Rauff for continued overall individual excellence and team spirit.

Matt Thompson (Sr./Canisteo, NY; Canisteo Central) and Rob Neil (Sr./Dallas, PA; Dallas) were given the Coaches’ Award for the men’s team. Sue Slepetz (Sr./Wescosville, PA; Emmaus) and Karissa Brown (So./Chemung, NY; Waverly) received the Coaches’ Award for the women’s team.

Seven seniors were also honored for their outstanding service to the team, including: Emily Breighner (Etters, PA; Red Land); Kristin Campbell (Camp Hill, PA; Cedar Cliff); Melissa Crandell (Queensbury, NY; Queensbury); Andrea Rapach (Pittsford, NY; Pittsford Mendon); Slepetz; Neil; and Thompson.

The evening concluded with the presentation of a national runner-up trophy and All-America certificates to Nathan DeCapria (Fr./Jersey Shore, PA; Central Mountain). In 2003, DeCapria became the first member of the Warrior men’s team to compete in the NCAA Division III National Championships, where he placed second in the 50 free and 11^th in the 100 free to earn All-American status.

Both Warrior teams had successful seasons with the men finishing 8-2 in dual meets and third at the conference championships; and the women going 7-3 in dual meets while placing fifth at the MACs. The squads also combined to break a total of ten school records during the 2002-2003 campaign.