Fran Crippen Is ACC’s Men’s Swimmer of the Week…Again
GREENSBORO, N.C., Jan. 27. UNIVERSITY of Virginia freshman Fran Crippen (Conshohocken, Pa./Germantown Academy) has been selected as the Atlantic Coast Conference Men's Swimming and Diving Performer of the Week.
Crippen won four events, including an ACC record-breaking performance in the 1000 freestyle, in a pair of UVa victories this past weekend. The ninth-ranked Cavaliers defeated 20th-ranked North Carolina 198-102 Saturday (January 25) and Clemson 134-103 Sunday (January 26) at the UVa Aquatic and Fitness Center.
In Virginia's win over North Carolina, Crippen set the ACC, school and pool records in the 1000 freestyle with a time of 8:55.69. He won the 1000 free by more than 18 seconds. His time broke current teammate Ian Prichard's record of 8:59.12 by nearly four seconds.
Crippen went on to win the 500 free (4:23.78) and finish second in the 400 individual medley (3:55.49) in the victory over the Tar Heels. Against Clemson, Crippen won the 200 free (1:39.93) and the 500 free (4:26.66).
Crippen was also named the ACC Men's Swimmer of the Week on October 28 and January 13. He has automatically qualified for the 2003 NCAA Championships in the 500 free (4:18.54) and 1650 free (14:57.58). In addition to holding the top times in the ACC in the 500 and 1650 free, Crippen has posted the best time in the ACC and the nation in the 1000 free (8:55.69) and is second in the 400 I.M. (3:52.24).