While the weather outside may have been chilly and not very spring-like, the atmosphere inside the Glen Rowan House was warm and inviting as the Lake Forest College swimming and diving team celebrated the 2017-18 season with its annual awards banquet. After a brief introductory speech by head coach Vadim Tashlitsky, the team enjoyed a nice luncheon of tacos and brownies. Every senior stood and offered thoughtful insight about his or her time on the team, shared comedic anecdotes, and gave advice to the lowerclassmen about how to make the most of their remaining years as Foresters.
The first award presented was the 2017-18 Most Valuable Performer. Seniors David Bunting and Lily McCarthy were honored with this distinction; it is the first time Bunting has been named MVP and McCarthy's second. Freshmen Sarah Truxton and Stephen Dwyer were named the team's Most Improved Performers. Truxton achieved lifetime bests in all of her major events at the conference championships. Dwyer consistently impressed the coaching staff with his strong work ethic and dedication to the team, scored much-needed points for the team during the conference meet, and performed close to his personal best times. Sophomore Lizzie Johns and freshman Evan Weller were both named to the Lake Forest College All-Sportsmanship Team.
The Forester Commitment Award is presented to an individual from both the men's and women's teams who excels in the following three areas: team engagement, campus involvement, and community service. This year, senior Brigit Dunne and sophomore Cole Ragan Scully were honored with this distinction.
The team also presents the Forester Award to a male and female athlete who best exemplifies what it means to be a Forester swimmer or diver. Whoever earns this award actively embodies the core values of the swimming and diving program; they are reliable, trustworthy, confident, and respectful. The third annual Forester Award was given to seniors Landon Longfield and Lily McCarthy.
The second David Albion Award was also presented at the banquet. This award is given to an individual athlete who overcame significant personal hardship while still demonstrating the true meaning of spirit, grit, and loyalty to his team and team members. This year's recipient was Stephen Dwyer.
After Coach Tashlitsky finished handing out the team awards, the captains presented some of their own to each of their teammates. Team jokes, nicknames, and funny memories from the season were embodied in the awards. This has become an annual tradition and a fun, light-hearted way to end the banquet.
The coaching staff is immensely proud of the team and their completion of yet another successful season.
Summary of Awards
MVP: David Bunting; Lily McCarthy
MIP: Sarah Truxton; Stephen Dwyer
Forester Award: Landon Longfield; Lily McCarthy
David Albion Award: Stephen Dwyer
All-Sportsmanship Team: Evan Weller; Lizze Johns
Forester Commitment Award: Brigit Dunne; Cole Ragan Scully
Team Captains: Landon Longfield, David Bunting, Matt Demirs, Lily McCarthy, Brigit Dunne, Toni Corbani
