GLIAC announces swimmers and divers of the week

Posted: Jan 29, 2024

GLIAC -- The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) has announced its 12th and final weekly awards of the 2023-24 swimming & diving season. Saginaw Valley State swimmer Benjamin Wainman and divers Rory Kauffman and Kaylee Smith were honored. In addition, Davenport swimmer Rebecca Wallis was recognized.

MEN'S SWIMMER OF THE WEEK: Benjamin Wainman, Saginaw Valley State

Benjamin Wainman had a successful day in the distance freestyle events. He took first in both the 500-yard freestyle and 1650-yard freestyle finishing with times of 4:42.13 and 15:38.56. His two first place finishes along with Kauffman’s top scores helped the Cardinal men’s team to a 159-135 win over the Panthers.

WOMEN'S SWIMMER OF THE WEEK: Rebecca Wallis, Davenport

Rebecca Wallis hit the national "B" cut in the 200 and 500 free events. Wallis swam to a time of 1:52.41 to win the 200 free and also won the 500 free with a time of 5:00.63.

MEN'S DIVER OF THE WEEK: Rory Kauffman, Saginaw Valley State

Rory Kauffman, a sophomore from DeWitt, Michigan, broke the program’s 1-meter 6-dives record with a score of 304.49. He now holds three of the four diving records for SVSU as he holds the six and 11 dive record from three meters as well. Kauffman took first in the meet in both the 1-meter and 3-meter dives scoring 300.83 in his six dives from three meters.

WOMEN'S DIVER OF THE WEEK: Kaylee Smith, Saginaw Valley State

Kaylee Smith, a sophomore from Smiths Creek, Michigan, also took first in both diving events. She scored 257.02 in her six dives from one meter and 258.15 from three meters. Both Smith and Kauffman have qualified for the NCAA DII national championships.