Patching, from Ascot, England, was the SEC Champion in the 200 IM and the 200 breaststroke, becoming the first Auburn swimmer to win those two events during his Auburn career. This season he set the school record in the 400 IM at the NCAA Championships and now holds both IM record at Auburn.
Patching also finished third in the 400 IM and swam the leadoff leg for the second-place 800 free relay and 400 medley relay at the SEC Championships.
Patching was selected over fellow nominees Daniel Carlson (football), Cole Lipscomb (baseball), Lukas Ollert (tennis) and Ben Schlottman (golf).