WC Mississippi News

Three Statesmen Named NSISC Athletes of the Month

Continuing with a theme of successful competitions throughout the year, three Delta State Swimming and Diving student-athletes were named New South Intercollegiate Swimming Conference (NSISC) athletes of the month. Swimmer Berk Ozkul, and divers Jawone Blankenship and Reagan Fulton, were all voted as the conference's top performers in December. This comes on the heels of their great showings at the DSU Christmas Invitational where the women's team won, and the men's team placed second.

"They have all made a strong impact so far this season," head coach Dan'l Murray said about the trio's impact this season. "Both Jawone and Reagan have been consistently dominant on the boards, and Berk's versatility in the pool has been on display in relays and his main events."

Ozkul earned the honor after a strong showing at the Christmas Invitational, placing second (200 Backstroke), third (100 Backstroke), and fourth (100 Butterfly). Ozkul also placed 11th (50 Freestyle). His time of 1:45.70 ranks him 8th in the NCAA for the 200 Backstroke. This is the second time Ozkul has received athlete of the month honors, as he also received the honor in November.

"After a busy meet of races, he was able to execute a good race plan in his best event, the 200 Backstroke, and matched his best time from last season," Murray said. "He gained valuable experience in team relays and stepped up in key moments. He has become a dependable athlete for our team."

Blankenship would also go on to have a strong showing at the Christmas Invitational, placing first on the 3-meter. During the meet, Blankenship's scores on 3-meter (615.95) and 1-meter (578.70) resulted in new school and pool records for Delta State and the Ronald G. Mayers Aquatic Center. His December acknowledgment is the third such honor for Blankenship this year, as he was named the male diver of the month in October and November as well.

"Jawone completed last semester exactly how I thought he could," diving coach Kyle Friesenhahn said. "He trained very hard to give himself a chance for some epic performances, and he was able to deliver."

Fulton's record-breaking performance on 3-meter and a strong showing on 1-meter led to her first diver of the month honor. She would score (480.15) on 3-meter, breaking the diving record of former DSU standout, Gillian Pratt. And with a second-place finish on 1-meter, Fulton completed a solid first semester in the Green and White.

"Reagan has done a great job adjusting to the training since joining us this past semester," Friesenhahn said. "I believe this performance is just the beginning, and I am excited to see what else she'll achieve this year."

These three will lead the Statesmen and Lady Statesmen into the weekend, as they will compete against Emory University and the University of West Florida. The meet will begin at 10 AM ET, at the Madeleine Jude Brown Aquatic Center in Atlanta, Ga.

"We have traditionally competed against Emory over the past several years. They are a well-coached team and highly competitive," Murray said. "This meet will provide a great racing opportunity as we head into our championship segment of our season."

Original source can be found here.