Gators Announce 2014-15 Annual Awards
Saturday, September 26, 2015 | Women's Swimming & Diving
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- University of Florida swimming and diving head coach Gregg Troy and his staff announced the award recipients from the 2014-15 season on Friday night at the team's annual awards banquet. On the men's side, 10 Gators received individual honors while the women gathered seven.
In addition to the awards banquet, Splash Weekend continues tomorrow with the annual Alumni Swim Meet at 10 a.m. in the Stephen O'Connell Center Natatorium. Following the meet, there will be a barbeque at 11:30 a.m. in the Gate 3 lobby of the O'Connell Center. This weekend then concludes with the 2015 Southeastern Conference Championship men's team being recognized during the second timeout of the second quarter at Saturday's football game against Tennessee. Last season's title was the third straight for UF and the 36th overall in Florida's storied history.
In addition to the awards, coach Troy also gave a special recognition to Sue Halfacre for her unending service not only for this year's Splash event, but throughout the year. She is extremely committed to UF Swimming and assists with officiating, serving on the Splash Board and remains a devoted local supporter who is constantly willing to help in any forms possible.
Steve Zarzecki and Paul Ackerman -- both recipients of the Tiger Holmes Award last year – also received a special recognition for their willingness to time every single meet last year and this year. It is greatly appreciated. They handle the job with tremendous enthusiasm and commitment.
Complete List of 2014-15 Award Recipients:
| Award | Male | Female |
| Giovanni Linscheer | Christian Homer | Natalie Hinds |
| Donald Gibb | Ben Lawless | Autumn Finke |
| Skip Foster | Dan Wallace | Jessica Thielmann |
| Leadership | Billy Silva | Jordan Smith |
| Academic | Colin Rockwell | Shelby McLean Autumn Finke |
| Tracy Caulkins | Amelia Maughan | |
| Coach's Appreciation Award | Geoff Gaberino | |
| Tiger Holmes Outstanding Freshman | Mark Szaranek | |
| Bill Harlan Award | Zach Hernandez | Kahlia Warner |
| Bill Harlan Spirit Award | Stephen Plapp | |
| Special Performance Award (Optional) | Caeleb Dressel |
Complete List of 2014-15 Awards:
Giovanni Linscheer: Contributed the most to the overall success of the team and displayed dedication, leadership, good attitude & performance.
Donald Gibb: Performed above and beyond expectations.
Skip Foster: Most valuable swimmer award.
Leadership: Awarded to a Senior Gator whose leadership has been instrumental to the team's overall success.
Academic: In recognition of academic excellence.
Tracy Caulkins: Freshman Award based upon performance at SEC's & NCAA's. Exemplifies the competitive spirit of Tracy Caulkins i.e., dedication, tenacity and a great will to win.
Tiger Holmes: For outstanding support for the UF Swimming & Diving Department, i.e., officials, Splash member, volunteer.
Tiger Holmes: Awarded to an outstanding freshman male and is given based upon his performance at the SEC & NCAA Championships. This individual exemplifies the competitive spirit.
Bill Harlan: Diving Award – Diver who has brought national recognition to the University of Florida.
Bill Harlan Spirit Award: Given to an individual that most exemplifies a genuine commitment to the University of Florida Swimming Program.
NEXT UP
The Gators will be back in action Thursday, Oct. 8, when the women's team travels to Nashville, Tennessee, for a head-to-head dual meet against Vanderbilt. The men's team will be back in the water on Saturday, Oct. 10, squaring off in a men's and women's non-conference dual meet against Minnesota on the road.
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