NEW YORK - After accomplishing a program-first at the USA Swimming Winter Nationals over the weekend, junior Caroline Gaernter was honored by the conference offices, earning BIG EAST Swimming and Diving Athlete of the Week on Wednesday.
Gaertner, a native of Mendota Height, Minn., became the first woman in Xavier program history to earn a spot in the finals of the USA Swimming Winter Championships last week at Ohio State. The junior finished 23rd in both the 100 fly and the 100 back prelims to earn a spot in one of three finals heats.
Gaertner finished fifth in the C-Final of the 100 fly on Friday night, with a time of 54.