April 30, 2013
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CLEVELAND- The Cleveland State Vikings officially concluded a stellar 2012-13 campaign this past weekend, as the men's squad celebrated together at the team's annual year-end banquet.
The 2012-13 year was a noteworthy one for this group of Vikings, as the team finished the year undefeated in the Horizon League and 13-3-1 in duel meet action, They also took home the program's first Horizon League Championship since the 2005-06 season.
Throughout the year the men helped to re-write the CSU record book, breaking five individual records and one relay record.
The new individual record-holders on the men's side are Al Shillito (100 and 200 backstroke), Justin Kermack (200 butterfly), Adam Ingledew (200 freestyle), Nathan Grant (200 breaststroke), and a relay team of Al Shillito, Brian Ferro, Alex Lewis and Berry Thompson (400 medley relay).
With the 2012-13 school year coming to a close in the coming weeks the Vikings took the time to honor some top performers at their banquet Saturday. The team honored the `Top Newcomer,' `Most Improved,' `Top Duel Meet Performer,' and "Overall Top Performer.'
Leading the way for the men was junior Al Shillito, who took home both the `Most Improved' and `Overall Top Performer' honors. Shillito not only improved his times in each of his main individual events from last season, he was also able to bring home the two school records mentioned above, the 100 backstroke (48.47) and 200 backstroke (1:46.35). Shillito concluded his year at the Horizon League championships, winning both the 100 and 200 backstrokes at the event, and also being named the league's `2013 Male Athlete of the Year.'
The "Top Newcomer" selection for the men was freshman Danny Roberts. Roberts was CSU's top diver all year long, with season best scores of 326.03 in the 1-meter dive and 328.95 in the 3-meter dive. He also placed fourth in the 3-meter dive at the league championships to conclude his impressive year.
The final award winner for the men was senior Berry Thompson, who took home the team's `Top Duel Meet Performer' honor, coming up big multiple times when his team needed him most. Thompson concluded 2012-13 with the team's top time in both the 50 freestyle (20.25) and 100 freestyle (44.02). He also was a member of the record-breaking 400 medley relay squad (3:15.24).
As the 2012-13 Cleveland State Viking men end their season, they can look back proudly on their accomplishments both in and out of the pool. This impressive group of men represented the university proudly, and the CSU program has only a bright future ahead.
