SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. (Jan. 21, 2013) – The New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) announced its weekly awards for the period ending January 20 and Mount Holyoke College student-athlete Cathleen Pruden has been recognized. The first year standout was named the Swimmer of the Week for the second straight week following a record setting performance at the Seven Sisters Championship.
A native of Raleigh, N.C., Pruden recorded three individual victories, a relay win, an NCAA 'B' Cut, two meet records and a school record at the Seven Sisters Meet. On day one, she anchored the 200-free relay team to a win in a time of 1:42.79. Pruden then shattered the meet record, re-set her own MHC record (by over five seconds) and achieved an NCAA 'B' Cut with a time of 4:30.82 in the 400-IM.
Pruden also captured the 500-free (5:11.96) title and won the grueling 1650-free (18:00.96) on day two with a Seven Sisters Meet record. For her efforts she was named to the All-Seven Sisters Team.
The former Ravencroft School standout earned her first weekly honor last week after posting six victories, including five individual. In a tri-meet at Wheaton, she won the 1000-freestyle and also claimed victory in the 500-free and the 200-free. Pruden capped the week with three victories in MHC's win over Simmons, capturing the 50-breast, the 100-free and helping to lift the 200-medley relay team to victory.
Through 10 meets this season, Pruden has posted 25 victories, averaging at least two wins in each meet. She has broken seven school records as well, including the 100-IM, the 200-free, the 1000-free, 500-free, the 400-IM, the 200-IM and the 200-fly.
Prior to Mount Holyoke, Pruden was a four-year member of the varsity team in high school. A two-time captain, she earned four consecutive Most Valuable Player honors and was a three time TISAC All-Conference selection. The TISAC Swimmer of the Year as a senior, Pruden was an NCISAA 3A All-State honoree and swam in the NCISAA 3A State Championships and the NCS Senior State Championships for four consecutive seasons.
Mount Holyoke is back in the water this weekend when it travels back to Wellesley for a dual meet against the Blue. Action begins at 1pm.
Photo of Pruden courtesy of Frank Poulin.
