Jan. 16, 2007

HOUSTON - University of Houston sophomore Sasha Schwendenwein was honored Tuesday as the Conference USA Swimmer of the Week after helping lead the Cougars to three dual-meet victories last weekend.

Schwendenwein captured first place during all eight events in which she competed, individual or as a member of relay. The Randburg, South Africa, native was a member of the winning 200- and 400-yard freestyle relay teams as well as the 200- and 400-yard medley relay squads.

Individually, she captured top honors in the 50-, 100-, 200- and 500-yard freestyle events to help lead the Cougars to convincing wins over Florida International, New Mexico State and North Texas.

It was the first career C-USA weekly award for Schwendenwein.

East Carolina's Christie Icenhower was named the C-USA Diver of the Week.

Schwendenwein and her Cougar teammates wrap up their 2007 regular-season home schedule this weekend with a pair of dual meets. The Cougars meet No. 5 Texas A&M at 4 p.m., Friday at the Campus Recreation & Wellness Center Natatorium.

The team then squares off against Miami (Fla.) at 11:30 a.m., Saturday at the CRWC Natatorium. Senior swimmers Szintia Szanto and Alejandra Salazar and senior diver Rachel Gitelson will be honored in pre-meet activities as part of Senior Day.

All Cougar Swimming and Diving regular-season home meets are free and open to the public, which is invited to attend.