Waterville, N.Y.: The North Atlantic Conference (NAC) announced today that two members of the SUNY Cobleskill men's and women's swimming & diving program have been named to the 2021-22 NAC Sportsmanship Team by the league's coaches. First year team member
Calista Bernard, Peru, N.Y., Home Schooled, a member of the women's swimming & diving team and junior
Zachary Walters, West Seneca, N.Y., West Seneca High School, a member of the men's swimming & diving team were the Fighting Tigers selections.
The Sportsmanship Team honors student-athletes in keeping with the conference's theme of
"Creating an Atmosphere of Respect" for each of its sports. The establishment of the Sportsmanship Team in all sports is in concert with the league's ultimate goal to create an atmosphere that places the highest regard for exemplary behavior of all participants, coaches, administrators, fans and officials.
During the year,
Calista Bernard led the Fighting Tiger women's team to a 3-4 record versus head-to-head competition during the regular season and a fifth place finish at the 2022 NAC Swimming & Diving Championships. The talented rookie provided Cobleskill with great flexibility during the year by swimming a number of different events and distances.
Cobleskill Head Coach Mary had high words of praise for her talented first year team member.
"Cali joined our team this season as a potential diver utilizing her experience as a gymnast. When a minor foot injury slowed her progress as a diver, she took up the challenge to learn competitive swimming. She approached the season with her natural enthusiasm and positivity. She did not become discouraged when she could not keep pace with her teammates, instead she watched their technique, asked questions of the coaches, and literally just tried to do her best. Her confidence in the water grew with every length of pool. She proved to be remarkably coach-able athlete and competed all four strokes. She is respected for her support of her teammates at practice, at meets, and at team functions. Above all else, she is highly valued for her sense of team spirit. Additionally, she was named to the President's List for the fall 2021 semester."
Zachary Walters enjoyed an exceptional 2021-22 season helping the Orange & Black to a 5-1 mark versus head-to-head competition and a third place finish at the 2022 NAC Swimming & Diving Championships. The West Seneca, N.Y. native enjoyed an exceptional meet winning the league title in the 100-yard butterfly in a time of 55.88 seconds while placing second in the 100-yard individual medley in 57.63 seconds and second in the 50-yard butterfly with a time of 24.34 seconds to earn All-NAC honors in each event. Walters also swam legs in three of the Fighting Tigers third place finishing relays: the 200-yard individual medley relay, 1:49.79, the 400-yard medley relay, 4:05.23, and the 400-yard freestyle relay, 3:36.46.
According to Coach Irving, Walters' contributions extended far beyond what he did in competitive events this year.
"The 2021-22 swim season marks Zach's third season as a member our team. Despite the extended break from swimming due to the pandemic, he returned to pool focused and in peak condition. He brought with him his naturally positive attitude and his determination. Zach has made consistent progress throughout the season. But he has been concerned not just with his own performance but also with the performance of his teammates. He has demonstrated quiet leadership and has been supportive of new members on both the men's and women's teams, on and off the deck. On top of his success in the pool Zach has also made Dean's list for the fall 2021 semester."
