Wolverine Combo Funk, Whitaker Claim Big Ten Weekly Honors
10/7/2014 12:00:00 AM | Men's Swimming & Diving
ROSEMONT, Ill. -- Senior tri-captain Richard Funk (Edmonton, Alberta/Strathcona) and freshman Aaron Whitaker (Chesterton, Ind./Chesterton) of the University of Michigan men's swimming and diving team each received weekly awards from the Big Ten Conference on Tuesday (Oct. 7) for their performances in the Wolverines' season-opening win at Iowa last weekend. Funk was named Men's Swimmer of the Week while Whitaker was named Freshman of the Week.
Funk is Big Ten Men's Swimmer of the Week for the fourth time in his career (Jan. 21, 2014, Oct. 29, 2013, Oct. 9, 2012). He swept the breaststrokes, grabbing an NCAA 'B' time in the 100-yard breaststroke (54.18) and an additional victory in the 200-yard breaststroke (2:01.08). He also claimed the third-fastest time in the 200-yard IM (1:54.55). Funk additionally helped the 200-yard medley relay team to a victory (1:29.58).
Whitaker, the younger brother of recent graduate Kyle Whitaker (2011-14), achieved an NCAA 'B' time in his first collegiate meet, winning the 100-yard butterfly (48.21). He also finished fourth in the 100-yard backstroke (50.48) and swam on three relays, including a victory in the 400-yard medley relay (3:14.64) and second-place finishes on both the 200-yard freestyle relay (1:22.12) and 200-yard medley relay (1:29.64).
Michigan returns to the pool for a two-day combined men's and women's quad meet against Indiana, Louisville and Texas on Oct. 24-25 inside Canham Natatorium. The meet will begin at 6 p.m. (Friday) and 10 a.m. (Saturday).
Contact: Brad Rudner
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