July 29, 2002
ATLANTA – The Georgia Tech swimming and diving program proved to be among the nation’s best in and out of the pool in 2001-02, as six members of the squad earned Academic All-America status from the College Swimming Coaches Association of America.
In addition, both the men’s and women’s teams ranked among the top 16 Division I squads in team grade point average.
All-American Shilo Ayalon, who placed eighth in the 1650 free at the 2002 NCAA Championships, led the way for the men’s selections with a 3.78 grade point average. David Laitala, who set school records at NCAAs in the 100 fly and 200 IM, joined Ayalon on the squad with a 3.56 GPA.
On the women’s side, Cara DeVinny, who competed at the Women’s NCAA Championships in the 200 and 400 IM, as well as the 200 fly, earned Academic All-America honors with a 3.62 mark.
Three more members of the men’s squad garnered Honorable Mention Academic All-America accolades. Itai Eden led that group with a 3.89 GPA. Rounding out the honorees were Eduardo Oliver (3.63) and Leo Salinas (3.50).
To earn Academic All-America status, swimmers had to compete at the NCAA Championships and post a GPA over 3.50. Honorable mention Academic All-Americans were required to meet a NCAA “B” qualifying standard and earn a 3.50 GPA.
The Tech men posted a team GPA of 3.13 to rank 14th among Division I teams, while the first-year women’s squad had a 3.35 mark to stand 16th nationally. Evansville (3.355) had the top men’s mark, while Saint Francis University (3.534) led the way in the women’s category.
The Jackets open the 2002-03 season against Emory on October 25.
-GT-
