MIT Places Seven on CSCAA Scholar All-America Team

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - The College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) announced its 2009 Scholar Athlete Awards last week and the MIT men's and women's teams combined to produce seven Scholar All-America honorees. In addition, both squads qualified for the Scholar-Athlete Team lists by virtue of their impressive team grade point averages.

Luke Cummings, Peter Wellings and Jeff Zhou earned Scholar All-America nods, as the Engineers led all New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) teams with three selections. The three swimmers were part of the 200 Free Relay squad that captured All-America honors and helped Tech capture its highest finish at the NCAA Division III Championship in 27 years. MIT finished with a team GPA of 3.40, the 12th best in the nation.

On the women's side, Amy Jacobi was named a First Team Scholar All-American while teammates Jen Chao, Ashley Pinchinat and Sarah King were honorable mention honorees. Jacobi, a three-time NEWMAC Champion, was one of two swimmers to represent the Cardinal and Gray at the NCAA Championship this year. The Engineers also posted an impressive 3.50 cumulative GPA, which was the 7th highest in Division III.

To be selected to the All-American team, swimmers must qualify for the NCAA Championship meet and achieve a GPA of 3.50 or higher. Honorable Mention selections must achieve a NCAA consideration time and 3.50 or higher GPA.