Stephen Gilbert and Tyler Cates sweep AAC Swimmers of the Week

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (November 22, 2021) – Milligan University sophomores Stephen Gilbert and Tyler Cates were honored as the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Swimmers of the Week, the league office announced Monday afternoon.

At Milligan's mid-season meet, the Fall Frenzy in Charlotte, the Buffs' squared off against top-notch NCAA Division II and several NCAA Division I opponents.

Cates swam NAIA "A" cuts and school records in both backstroke events at the Frenzy. Cates went 56.94 in the 100 back in Milligan's 400 medley relay and 2:04.08 in the 200 backstroke. Both of her backstroke times rank No. 2 in the NAIA this season. She was also part of "A" cuts and school records in the 800 free relay (7:49.38), 200 medley relay (1:48.64) and 400 medley relay (3:53.71).

Gilbert set school records, hit NAIA "A" cuts and swam the No. 1 time in the nation in the 200 back (1:47.99) and 400 IM (3:56.59). He also notched an "A" cut and No. 1 time in the country in the 200 IM (2:15.70). He was on four program-record relays that notched NAIA "A" cuts in the 400 free relay (3:06.33), 800 free relay (6:51.95), 200 medley relay (1:33.35) and 400 medley relay (3:24.00).

Milligan swimming closed its fall schedule at the Fall Frenzy and will resume competition Jan. 14 at home against King.