May 5, 2005

RALEIGH, N.C. - NC State men's all-American Cullen Jones and the Wolfpack women's Lindsay Barwegen were named team MVPs at the 2005 Swimming and Diving year end banquet in April. In all, 14 swimmers and divers were honored with team awards, and the men's 200 medley relay team at the ACC Championships walked away with the men's performance of the year award after winning the ACC Championship and setting the ACC record in the event. Jones was an all-American and NCAA participant, and won his third ACC individual title in two seasons and set the pool record in the 50 freestyle against North Carolina at the Willis Casey Natatorium. Barwegen finished the season with top-3 times in seven different events and one relay time and a top-50 time nationally in the NCAA in the 1650 freestyle.

Halle Kiehlmier and Jack Roney received the Most Improved award, while Jess Koenig and Chris Nixon earned kudos for their hard work with the Hardest Workers award.

Steve Cowling came back from a redshirt season due to injury to win the ACC Championship in the 100 backstroke, and he was tabbed NC State's comeback player of the year.

The Red Legend Pride award, awarded to those individuals who performed under pressure, went to Lindsay Baskwell and Rick Scott.

Senior's Laura Cutler and Rob Yeager won the Willis Casey Coaches Award to cap their career.

The women's performance of the year went to Kerry Whitson at the Georgia Tech dual meet, as she won the 100 and 200 freestyle events and anchored the winning 400 medley relay during the meet.

Steve House and NCAA participant Molly Culberson were named the top divers on the year.

2005 NC State Swimming and Diving Team Awards
MVPs - Cullen Jones (men) and Lindsay Barwegen (women)
Most Improved - Halle Kiehlmier and Jack Roney
Hardest Workers - Jess Koenig and Chris Nixon
Comeback Award - Steve Cowling
Red Legend Pride Award - Lindsay Baskwell and Rick Scott
Willis Casey Coaches Award - Laura Cutler and Rob Yeager
Performance of the Year - Men: 200 Medley Relay (ACC & school Record at ACCs);
Women: Kerry Whitson at Georgia Tech dual meet
Divers of the Year - Steve House and Molly Culberson