April 19, 2004

Chicago, Ill.- The University of Illinois at Chicago men's and women's swimming and diving teams capped off an outstanding season on Sunday, as head coach Paul Moniak and Co. honored numerous Flames standouts at the 2003-04 UIC Swimming & Diving Awards Banquet held at the Chicago Athletic Association.

Senior Enric Claret closed out his record-setting UIC career as the men's team's Swimmer of the Year for the second consecutive season, while fellow senior Stephanie Donovan earned Swimmer of the Year honors on the women's side.

Claret and Donovan also shared the stage with seniors Alexander Marinof, Joe Scharnak and Doug Zimmer as their teammates, coaches and family honored the five outgoing Flames.

Caitlin Carey captured her second straight Women's Diver of the Year honor, while freshman sensation Mike Horwitz was named the men's Diver of the Year.

Two of the many rookies who made an impact this past season were honored as Blake Booher and Jessica Darud were named Newcomers of the Year.

Ari Bernstein and Kris Simos, huge contributors throughout the campaign, garnered Men's Most Improved honors, while distance standout Carlie Schoaf was named Most Improved on the women's team.

A new award was introduced at the banquet as the Men's and Women's Captains Awards were handed out. The Captains Award, created by captains Zimmer, Donovan, Chris Kaczor and Stephanie Murphy, was given to the athletes "who showed good sportsmanship, consistent leadership skills, and an unselfish, team-oriented attitude throughout the entire season." The inaugural honors were bestowed upon Rich Wolny and Nik Burvikovs on the men's team and Emily Biancalana on the women's squad.

The banquet served as a wonderful exclamation point to a fine season in which the Flames garnered strong fourth-place showings on both sides at the Horizon League Championships while continuing their excellence in the classroom.