Hanne te Velthuis and Paxton Smith named AAC Swimmers of the Week

WALESKA, Ga. (January 15, 2024) – Milligan University graduate student Hanne te Velthuis and freshman Paxton Smith swept the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Swimmer of the Week awards, the league office announced on Monday.

Milligan swimming returned to action for the first time in 2024 as the Buffs defeated King in a dual meet in the squad's lone home meet of the season.

Te Velthuis won both the 50-meter free (26.51) and 100 free (59.42), hitting standards cuts in both events. She set the pool record in the 50 free and teamed with Tyler Cates, Kaylee Williams and Mary Grace Bitting to set the pool record of 2:03.78 in the 200 medley relay.

Smith won the 100-meter freestyle with a provisional time of 53.04. He combined with Caleb Fry, Andre Bazzana and Jacob Miller to set a pool record in the 200 free relay (1:34.00). Smith also helped the Buffs to a first-place finish in the 200 medley relay (1:46.30).

The Buffs travel to NAIA contender Cumberlands for a dual meet on Saturday.