DENVER - Grand Canyon's Mark Nikolaev and Wyoming's Ryan Russi have been named Western Athletic Conference Men's Swimmer and Diver of the Week, respectively, for Jan. 23-29.
Nikolaev, a sophomore from Seltso, Russia set two new pool records at the Notre Dame Shamrock Invitational. He placed first in the 100 back (46.18) and 200 back (1:43.58) setting records in each event. His 200 back time beat the previous record set 11 years ago by Olympian Matt Greavers. He also finished second in the 200 IM (1:47.11).
Russi, a redshirt sophomore from Murrieta, Calif., won both boards against UNLV. He placed first in the 1 meter (304.70) and the 3 meter (323.95) with season best marks in each. He earned NCAA Zone qualifying scores in both events for the first time this season.
Other swimmer nominees: Wyoming's Gabe Rooker won the 100 breast (54.21) and 200 breast (2:00.11) against UNLV… North Dakota's Noah Lucas won the 50 free (20.15), 100 free (46.87), and 100 fly (49.68) against South Dakota State… UNLV's Tom Paco-Pedroni won the 100 free (44.38) and 200 free (1:53.92) against Wyoming.
Other diver nominees: GCU's Pietro Toscani placed second in the 1 meter (305.40) and fourth in the 3 meter (302.70) at the Shamrock Invitational… North Dakota's Mitch Raihle won the 3 meter (325.00) and placed third in the 1 meter (294.15) against South Dakota State.