DENVER — Grand Canyon’s Iegor Lytvenok and Air Force’s Nate Zillweger have been named the Western Athletic Conference Men’s Swimmer and Diver of the Week, respectively, for January 26 – February 1.
Lytvenok, a junior from Kryviy Rig, Ukraine (MP Dragomanov National Pedagogic University), was the spotlight for the Lopes this weekend in their dual against Brigham Young. Lytvenok swam all season-best times and recorded a new pool record in the 200 backstroke (1:44.78). His 200 backstroke time is also now the fastest in the WAC this season. With the 1.2 second altitude adjustment his time was just a half second off of what qualified for NCAA’s last year. Along with his win in the 200 back, Lytvenok notched the fastest time in the 200 IM (1:47.27) and took second in the 100 backstroke (48.48).
Zillweger, a junior from Phoenix, Ariz. (Willow Canyon HS), recorded NCAA Qualifying scores on the 1-meter (345.05), 3-meter (338.30) and platform (328.55) at the Air Force Diving Invitational this weekend. He was the top WAC finisher in all three events at the Invitational and placed third on the 1-meter, fifth on the 3-meter and third on the platform. Zillweger’s performance on the 3-meter was a personal best score and ranks him second in the WAC this season. His platform score is now the highest in the conference this season.
Other swimmers nominated: Ryan Nelson, Wyoming; Noah Lucas, North Dakota; Gabe Wheeler, Seattle U.
Other divers nominated: Michael Bidak, Grand Canyon; Reid Magnuson, North Dakota; Ryan Russi, Wyoming.