The Virginia Tech swimming and diving program was well represented at the 2017 Gobblers Thursday night at the Moss Arts Center as the H2Okies took home two of the top prizes of the evening. Senior Brandon Fiala was named the athletic department Male Athlete of the Year and freshman Reka Gyorgy was selected as the Female Rookie of the Year.
Fiala ended a record breaking senior campaign with a silver and two gold medals at the ACC Championships and claiming All-American honors in the 100 and 200 breaststroke at the NCAA Championships. He also set conference records in both events. Gyorgy won the ACC title and finished eighth at NCAAs in the 400 IM.
“I am thrilled for Hokie Nation and our program,” said head coach Ned Skinner. “It is amazing to relive the special moments from this past season. There are so many things for all Hokies to be proud of and I am humbled that many of our swimming and diving student-athletes were recognized for their accomplishments.”
Fiala was named the men’s swimming MVP and SAAC Member of the Year, while the MVP for the women’s team was senior Jessica Hespeler. Hespeler was also nominated for Female Athlete of the Year after concluding one of the best freestyle careers in program history. In diving, sophomores Ben Schiesl and Ashlynn Peters were named team MVPs. Peter’s gold medal performance at this year’s ACC Championship in the three-meter platform earned her a nomination for Breakthrough Performer of the Year.
The H2Okies also earned Nutrition Team of the Year honors, an award that’s presented to the team that’s most dedicated to healthy eating and living throughout the year.
Sophomore Ian Ho, who reached the Championship Final at ACCs in the 50 free, opened the event with a performance on the violin. Senior Caroline Buscaglia, senior Zach Switzer and junior Harrison Pierce served as presenters.
The H20kies also presented Fiala and junior Adriana Grabski with the team Strength and Conditioning Award, and Peters and sophomore Michael Craddock with the Heart of the Hokie Award.
The H20kies return to action this June at the 2017 Phillips 66 National Championships, which serves as the United States’ World Championship Trials.
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