Groome named MVC Swimmer of the Week

Nov. 18, 2009

By Dana Ingraham
www.SIUSalukis.com

ST. LOUIS, Mo. - Southern Illinois freshman Kirsten Groome has been named State Farm MVC Swimmer of the Week, the league announced Wednesday, after her record-breaking performance at the University of Missouri.

This is the second straight week a Saluki swimmer has earned league honors, as Therese Mattsson received this award last week.

Groome swam the best time of her career and one of the best times in the country in SIU's dual loss to Mizzou last weekend. She placed first in the 1000 free with a time of 9:59.79, which currently ranks No. 21 in the nation. Her time was also good for a new MVC record, besting the previous time by nearly 17 seconds.

The newcomer also set a new MVC record with a first-place finish in the 200 fly, posting a time of 2:04.38.

This is the second time this year Groome has received this award. She was also recognized by the league on Oct. 21 for her efforts in SIU's first three competitions of the season.

Groome and the Salukis will return to the pool tomorrow afternoon when they face off against the 2009 Division II National Champions, Drury. The meet is scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m. at Dr. Edward J. Shea Natatorium.