For Immediate Release: October 31, 2006
Contact: Anthony G. Naglieri (sports@binghamton.edu)
Phone: 607-777-2956

Holmes named America East Swimming Performer of the Week

VESTAL, N.Y.--Binghamton University senior David Holmes has been named the America East Men's Swimming Performer of the Week for all meets through October 29. This marks the ninth career time he has received the conference's top weekly honor.

Holmes has been an integral part of the Binghamton men's swimming team's 2-0 start, capturing all four individual events he has competed in and breaking several pool records in the process.

"David is both in better shape and is more motivated than last year," said head coach Sean Clark. "His early season intensity has produced some great swims so far. We look for a strong performance from him every time he gets in the water."

A native of Doncaster, England, he won three individual events and swam on BU's winning 200-yard medley team as the Bearcats toppled Boston University 172-112. He was victorious in the 50, 200, and 500-meter freestyle events. The senior's exploits helped first-year head coach Sean Clark earn the first career dual meet victory.

In Saturday's home opener against Canisius, Holmes broke a pair of pool records. He won the 100-fly in 49.74, eclipsing the previous best mark of 50.38. set by Cornell's Danny Diette in 2004. He also paced the Bearcats' record-setting relay effort in the 800-freestyle clocking in at a pool-best 1:39.09 in the race's lead leg.

The meet-closing relay victory saw Holmes along with senior co-captains Brian Koizim and Trevor Stone, and Brenno Varanda team up to shave nearly 10 seconds off the previous pool record clocking in at 6:59.6. The previous pool record (7:09.29) had stood at the Patricia A. Saunders Aquatic Center since 1994.

The Bearcats return to action on Saturday with a dual meet against reigning America East champion UMBC at 1 p.m.