Ball State University Athletics
Haifley & Laska Sweep MAC Swimmer of the Week
December 17, 2008 | Men's Swimming and Diving, Women's Swimming and Diving
MUNCIE, Ind. - - For the second time in the last four weeks, the Ball State swimming & diving program has swept the Mid-American Conference Swimmer of the Week, with freshman Emily Haifley (Roanoke, Ind./Homestead H.S.) claiming the women's award and Austin Laska (Palos Park, Ill./A.A. Stagg H.S.) earning the men's honor.
This is Haifley's first MAC Swimmer of the Week award, while Laska picks up the honor for the second time this season, after first earning the title Oct. 21. Mary Ehresman (Lafayette, Ind./Jefferson H.S.) and Chris Krupa (Indianapolis, Ind./Pike H.S.) both earned swimmer of the week accolades Nov. 26.
Haifley was BSU's top female swimmer in the Cardinal's near upset of Big Ten foe Michigan State last Saturday (Dec. 12), capturing first in the 100 breaststroke (1:06.24) and the 200 breaststroke (2:23.01). Haifley's time in the 100 breaststroke was the fastest of her BSU career.
"Emily has battled back from a serious ankle injury which has limited her up until the late part of November," said co-head coach Bob Thomas. "Since Thanksgiving, she has been doing phenomenal. It is really great to see her back in racing form, and hopefully this sets the stage for the second semester."
Haifley also swam the second leg of the 200 medley relay which placed second with a time of 1:49.38, and the 200 freestyle relay team that placed fourth with a clocking of 1:40.54.
Laska helped guide the BSU men's swimming & diving team to a near upset Michigan State by capturing first in the 50 freestyle (21.08) and second in the 100 freestyle (47.45). Both of Laska's times were career-best efforts.
"Austin has come a long way," said Thomas. "Each year he has improved and its it nice to see him finally get recognition for the hard work he has put in."
In addition to his individual efforts, Laska anchored both the winning 200 medley relay (1:35.89) team and first-place 200 freestyle relay (1:25.01) team.
