November 29, 2006
Texas A&M sophomore Julia Wilkinson (Stratford, Ont.) has been named the Big 12 Swimmer of the Week by the league?â„¢s coaches, the conference office announced on Wednesday.
Wilkinson, who has now won the award two straight times, was voted the honor based on her performances at the Art Adamson Invitational held Nov. 17-19 in College Station.
The four-time All-American broke the Texas A&M school records in the 100-yard freestyle (49.23), 200-yard individual medley (1:58.49) and 200-yard backstroke (1:55.48) at the Adamson invite as well as helping lead the 400-yard freestyle relay to a school record time of 3:17.23. All four school records are NCAA automatic qualifying times.
Wilkinson recorded four NCAA automatic qualifying times out of five individual events at the Adamson invite then added another auto qualifier in leading off the 400 free relay. She grabbed first place honors in the 100 and 200 back, and 200 IM, and helped push A&M to first place times in all five relays.
The reigning Big 12 100 backstroke champion currently leads the nation in both the 100 and 200 back as well as the 200 IM, according to the top times list posted currently on CollegeSwimming.com. She also ranks among the nation?â„¢s leaders in the 100 and 200-yard freestyles as well.
Wilkinson and the undefeated Aggies will close their fall schedule on Saturday at noon against Rice at the Student Rec Center Natatorium.