University of Georgia Athletics
Margalis Named SEC Swimmer Of The Year
April 21, 2003 | Swimming & Diving
April 21, 2003
ATHENS, Ga. -- Georgia swimmers Robert Margalis and Mary DeScenza paced the 2003 Southeastern Conference Swimming and Diving Awards announced by the league office Monday. Margalis was named the Male Swimmer of the Year, while DeScenza garnered SEC Freshman of the Year accolades on the women's side.
The awards are voted on by the leagues coaches at their annual SEC meeting in the spring. Margalis is the first Georgia male to earn swimmer of the year distinction by the SEC, and he is the first Bulldog to be honored by the conference since Jud Campbell was named Diver of the Year in 2001. DeScenza is the second Lady Bulldogs to be tabbed SEC Freshman of the Year award after Maritza Correia claimed the inaugural honor in 2000.
Margalis became Georgia's first NCAA champion since Kris Babylon won the 200-yard individual medley in 1997, as the Bulldog sophomore touched the wall in a personal-best 3:39.92 to win the 400-yard individual medley at the 2003 NCAA Championships in Austin, Texas. The mark also lowered the Georgia record, previously 3:41.42 that Margalis established at last year's NCAAs. Margalis, a native of St. Petersburg, Fla., was runner-up in the 500-yard free.
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