Seven America East swimming and diving programs were named 2011 Scholar All-America Teams by the College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA), the organization announced last week. Additionally, UMBC standouts Keilan Freeman and Brad Reitz received individual Scholar All-America honorable mention honors.
On the women's side, UMBC (3.23 team GPA), the reigning America East champions, led four teams which were honored. Stony Brook University (3.12), University of Vermont (3.10) and Binghamton University (3.09) were also recognized. On the men's side, Binghamton University (3.12) led the way amongst conference member, while seven-time champion UMBC (3.09) and Stony Brook were also honored.
Both Freeman, a 2010-11 Capital One/CoSIDA Academic All-America first-team selection, and Reitz were both part of the gold medal-winning 800-yard freestyle relay squad at the America East Championship. Additionally, Reitz won the 200-yard butterfly and 200-yard individual medley.
The Team Scholar All American award is presented to college and university swimming and diving teams, who have achieved a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher. The award is presented to teams achieving this standard in the fall semester and in the semester of the NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships (winter/spring).
The Honorable Mention Scholar All American award is presented to college and university swimmers and divers, who have achieved a grade point average of 3.5 or higher, for the semester or cumulative average, and have achieved a “B” time standard, but have not qualified to compete in their respective national championship. The award is presented in the semester of the NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships (winter/spring).