Cates, Hawkins win AAC swimmer of the week
Tyler Cates and Ben Hawkins helped Milligan University continue its ownership this season of Appalachian Athletic Conference swimmer of the week. Cates won the women’s award while Hawkins won the men’s award as Milligan swept the honors for the third time in three weeks.
MILLIGAN, Tenn. (Nov. 16, 2020) – Tyler Cates and Ben Hawkins helped Milligan University continue its ownership this season of Appalachian Athletic Conference swimmer of the week. Cates won the women's award while Hawkins won the men's award as Milligan swept the honors for the third time in three weeks.
The AAC made the announcement Monday for the week ending Nov. 15.
Cates and Hawkins both won the award for the first time in their career, although the Buffs remained the only individuals recognized this season with the award. Stephen Gilbert (Oct. 7, Nov. 11) won the men's award both times it was announced, and Gabby MacPherson (Oct. 7) and Kaylee Williams (Nov. 11) won the women's award both times it was announced.
Cates secured the nation's first "A" cut this weekend in leading Milligan to a victory over Union in a head-to-head meet. She swam the 200 backstroke in a Milligan record 2:06.61 before later earning a "B" cut in the 200 freestyle.
Hawkins won every event he competed in, including posting national qualifying marks in the 100 and 200 breaststroke. He also won the 100 free and was part of the winning 400 free relay, swimming the anchor leg.
Milligan won easily on both sides, including defeating No. 10 Union on the men's side.
The next meet for the Buffs is set for the spring, when they travel to Columbia, South Carolina, on Saturday, Jan. 9.