May 2, 2011

Contact: Dan Carr

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Four members of the Cleveland State men's swimming and diving team and one on the women's team were selected to the Mid-Major All-American honorable mention team by CollegeSwimming.com. The honors were announced on Monday (May 2).

Senior Deni Gasparin, junior Mark de Swardt and sophomores Justin Hill and Berry Thompson were honored from the men's team while junior Carys Behn represents the women's team. The criteria was based on making a "B," or non-automatic qualifying, NCAA cut time in any event.

"The fact that we have five honorable mention Mid-Major All-Americans from Cleveland State, among the most in the nation, is recognition of the successful year the Vikings had for the 2010-11 season," head coach Wally Morton said. "What makes me feel even better is that all but one of the athletes are returning next year with a real opportunity to improve their performances and to go on to even greater honors for them and their team."

Gasparin won the 200 breaststroke at the Horizon League Championships, setting a championship record by clocking in at 2:00.53. Gasparin won 18 races this year, and his best time in the 100 breast (55.85) led the league this season.

de Swardt was named the Horizon League Swimmer of the Year after going undefeated in individual races against conference opponents, including winning the 500 free (4:24.95), 1,000 free (9:06.34). and 1,650 free (15:23.93) at the Horizon League Championships. He finished with the top times in the league in those three events as well as the 400 IM (4:00.89).

Hill had the second best time in the Horizon League in the 50 free (20.52) and won 15 races in 2010-11. He also helped the Vikings set a new league record in the 200 free relay, winning the event at the Horizon League Championships with a time of 1:19.36.

Thompson emerged as one of the best sprinters in the league this season, setting pool records in the 50 free (20.88) and 100 free (45.70). He earned league swimmer of the week honors twice in 2010-11, winning 11 individual races, including finishing the regular season with the conference's top time in the 100 free (44.84).

Behn finished the season with one of the best individual performances ever at the Horizon League Championships, going undefeated and breaking six league records to earn performer of the meet honors. The winner of 12 individual races this season, Behn also set six Cleveland State records and finished with the league's top time in the 200 free (1:50.59) and second-best times in the 50 free (23.81), 100 free (51.66) and 500 free (4:56.92). Behn is a junior communication major and has a 3.74 GPA.

Both the men's and women's teams finished the 2010-11 season with third place finishes at the Horizon League Championships.