NEW HAVEN, Conn. – During a recent zoom call, the 2019-20 Yale swimming and diving team awards were announced. It was another highly successful season for both the men's and women's programs. The women posted an 8-1 dual-meet record and finished a strong third at the Ivy League Championship, while the men had five NCAA Championship qualifiers, including the Ivy League champion 200 freestyle relay.
Here are the award winners:
John Edward Heaton High Point Award (1924)
John Edward Heaton, a former resident of New Haven. Awarded to that swimmer or diver who has scored the highest possible number of points for the team in dual meet competition for the past season. (Given to one man and one woman).
2020 recipients: Henry Gaissert & Izzi Henig
William Leeming Jelliffe Memorial (1925)
Dr. and Mrs. Smith Ely Jelliffe in memory of their son, William L. Jelliffe, Ph.B. 1923. Awarded annually to two seniors, a man and a woman, who have shown the greatest progress and development in swimming ability and outstanding leadership during college years.
2020 recipients: Henry Gaissert & Kendall Brent
MacLeish Memorial Swimming Trophy (1936)
Dedicated in 1936 by Halstead B. VanderPoel. MacLeish was a member of the Class of 1918, he had left school in 1917 to fight in WWI. He was one of the original 28 volunteers to serve in the first Yale Unit of the Navy. This award is given to two team members, one male and one female. Through their efforts, high ideals in sportsmanship, and loyalty to Yale, they best exemplify the spirit of Kenneth MacLeish.
2020 recipients: Patrick Frith & Cate Sawkins
Harry Burke Award (1966)
Established by the Yale Swimming & Diving Association to honor Yale's retired freshman coach. Awarded for outstanding contribution to Yale swimming by an underclassman.
2020 recipients: Christian DeVol & Ashley Loomis & Nikki Watters
S. Livingston Mather (1950)
S. Livingston Mather, B.A. 1905. For outstanding performance in backstroke swimming.
2020 recipients: Tyler Harmon & Jamie Yeh
M. Davies Breaststroke Award
This prize was donated by the family of Melindi Davies, Class of 1998. It is awarded each year for outstanding performance in breaststroke swimming.
2020 recipients: Calvin Yang & Cha O'Leary
Tim Jecko IM Award (2004)
Trophy is given annually for outstanding performances in Individual Medley. Tim Jecko was a member of the 1956 United States Olympic Team. He won many National championships and held many records at Yale in the free, fly, and IM. The award was established in 2004 by Tim's Class if 1959.
2020 recipients: Liam Bogart & Olivia Paoletti
Philip Moriarty Award (1969)
Established by the Yale Swimming & Diving Association in honor of Yale coach & US Olympic Coach Philip Moriarty. Awarded annually to that senior member of the team who has contributed immeasurably to the Yale swimming tradition by his dedication and personal achievement.
2020 recipient: Henry Gaissert
Eleanor "Bobby" Dawson Award
Bobby Dawson was a national figure in swimming circles and a Yale Swimming associate from 1948 until 1978. She was an elected official for the Olympic Games in Rome, Tokyo, Mexico City, and Munich. This award is given to member of the women's team who has contributed immeasurably to Yale swimming & diving by her dedication and personal achievements.
2020 recipient: Cate Sawkins
