Bucknell University Athletics
Courtney Warren and Daniel Fletcher Named Patriot League Swimming and Diving Scholar-Athletes of the Year
3/1/2010 7:00:00 AM | Men's Swimming and Diving
March 1, 2010
LEWISBURG, Pa. - Bucknell seniors Courtney Warren (Montour Falls, N.Y./Watkins Glen) and Daniel Fletcher (Cedar Grove, N.J./Cedar Grove) were named the Patriot League Swimming and Diving Scholar-Athletes of the Year, the league office announced on Monday. It marks the second time in the last six years Bison have swept the awards.
Bucknell's sweep of the awards marks the fifth time in league history one school has earned both the men's and women's awards in the same season. It previously happened in 2002 (American), 2004 (Navy), 2005 (Bucknell) and 2006 (American).
Warren is Bucknell's sixth women's swimming and diving team member to be named Scholar-Athlete, and the first since Rebecca Scheffter in 2005. A four-time All-Patriot League selection, Warren was a First Team All-League choice for the second time in her career this year. At the Patriot League Championships she won the 100-yard backstroke for the second time in three years, and set a school record (54.55) in the process.
 |
|
The only Bison to win a Patriot League title over the last four years, Warren also claimed the 100 back crown in 2008, making her Bucknell's first two-time Patriot League champion since Lectie Altman claimed five individual titles from 2003 to 2006.
In addition to owning the school record in the 100 back, Warren is a member of the program's top-10 lists for the 50 free, 100 free and 200 back. Additionally, she has been a member of 14 relay teams that currently rank on Bucknell's top-10 lists.
Just this past weekend, Warren became the first swimmer in Bison history to win two individual titles at the ECAC Championships when she claimed the 100 back for the second consecutive year. Last season she became just the third Bucknell swimmer to ever finish first at the ECACs.
A mathematics major with a minor in biology, Warren owns a 3.32 cumulative grade-point average. She has spent time volunteering at LAPS animal shelter, T&D's exotic wildlife rescue organization, at a local Community Harvest Kitchen and at Riverwoods Retirement Home. The team co-captain has also competed in the Passionman Triathlon and has taught swimming lessons for two years.
Fletcher is Bucknell's first men's Scholar-Athlete of the Year winner since Adam Freeman in 2005, and the sixth overall. A three-time All-Patriot League selection, Fletcher landed on the first team for the first time this year after posting three top-three finishes at last month's Patriot League Championships. Fletcher's top-three finishes came in the 200 back (2nd), 100 back (3rd) and 200 IM (3rd).
In addition to his individual performances at the Patriot League Championships, Fletcher was part of four second-place relay squads.
An 11-time Patriot League scorer, Fletcher ranks in the top 10 in Bucknell history in five events (100 free, 200 free, 100 back, 200 back, 200 IM). His 200 IM time of 1:50.68 at last month's Patriot League Championships places him second in program history, just .02 behind Jim Harvey's 22-year-old school standard. Fletcher was also a member of eight relay teams that rank on Bucknell's top-10 lists, including the record-setting 200 and 800 free relays.
At this past weekend's ECAC Championships, Fletcher had a strong outing, posting three top-eight finishes, including a fifth-place showing in the 200 IM.
A four-time Dean's List member, Fletcher has a double-major in economics and psychology with a minor in philosophy. The owner of a 3.47 cumulative grade-point average, Fletcher has helped organize swim marathons for charity since 2006, helped revitalize R.B. Winter State Park and participated in a triathlon for charity in 2009. He has also spent time coaching a youth swimming team in his hometown in New Jersey.
To be eligible for the Patriot League Scholar-Athlete of the Year award, a student-athlete must have at least a 3.20 cumulative grade-point average and be a starter or key player in his/her sport. Freshmen are not eligible for this honor.
With the selection of Warren and Fletcher, Bucknell has now claimed four Patriot League Scholar-Athletes this year, boosting the school's all-time total to 117.
Both the Bucknell men's and women's swimming and diving teams finished second at the Patriot League Championships this year. It was the third consecutive runner-up finish for the men, while it was the highest placing for the women since 2007.
