A successful 2016-17 season was celebrated at this year's annual Swimming and Diving Awards Banquet, held at the Glen Rowan House. Thankful for near-perfect weather, the afternoon started with a brief introduction by Head Coach Vadim Tashlitsky as he welcomed and invited everyone to relax and enjoy an early dinner. The meal was followed by a short video created by assistant coach Kris Korth recapping some of the season's favorite moments. A number of seniors deliver speeches—thoughtful reflections accompanied by funny memories and pieces of wisdom for our younger members.
The 2016-17 Most Valuable Performer awards went to seniors Orion Huey and Lauren Dalecky. This is the second time Huey was named MVP; Dalecky is a first-time recipient. Sophomore Freddie Weichmann and freshman Ani Karagianis were named the Most Improved Performers. This is the second time Weichmann was named MIP. He went on to achieve lifetime best times and finish third in the 100-backstroke and the 200-backstroke at this year's conference meet—the highest he has ever placed. Ani Karagianis impressed her coaches and teammates with her work ethic and positivity. She steadily improved throughout the entire season and capped it off by placing a sixth in the 400-IM and a second in the 1650-freestyle. Karagianis was also named to the Lake Forest College All-Sportsmanship Team alongside freshman Jordan Jacob.
The second annual Forester Award is presented to the athletes who most exemplify what it means to be a Forester swimmer or diver. The two individuals who received this award actively embody the core values of the swimming and diving program; they are reliable, trustworthy, confident, and respectful. This winners were senior captains Emily Bowens and Orion Huey.
This year the coaches introduced the "David Albion" Award. This award is presented to the athlete who overcame significant personal challenges during the course of their season. Despite hardship, this person never quit; she continued to reflect the true meaning of spirit, grit, and loyalty to her team and teammates. The award went to senior captain Emily Bowens.
The afternoon wrapped up on a more light-hearted note when captains Orion Huey, Virgil Thomas, Emily Bowens, Lauren Dalecky and Lily Thorsen, created their own awards. These awards were personalized to each member on the team, "poking fun" at quirks and characteristics.
The 2016-17 was certainly a successful season for the team. The coaches are proud of the many accomplishments as well as the outstanding leadership displayed over the course of the year.
Summary of Awards
MVP: Orion Huey; Lauren Dalecky
MIP: Ani Karagianis; Freddie Weichmann
Forester Award: Orion Huey; Emily Bowens
David Albion Award: Emily Bowens
All Sportsmanship Team: Jordan Jacob; Ani Karagianis
Team Captains: Orion Huey, Virgil Thomas, Emily Bowens, Lauren Dalecky, Lily Thorsen
