Leidigh Named National Swimmer of the Week

Nov. 2, 2005

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Freshman swimmer Ashley Leidigh was named CollegeSwimming.com National Collegiate Swimmer of the Week (NCSW). Leidigh is one of six swimmers to earn the award. The Merriam, Kan., native joins Sergiy Fesenko (Indiana University), Sarah Watson (Ouchita Baptist University), Chris Achey (Ouchita Baptist University), Kelly Kono (Washington University in St. Louis), and Koji Takahashi (Olivet College) as swimmers of the week.

Leidigh lead the Jayhawks to a victory over No. 20 Missouri, 175-125, in a dual Oct. 28, in Lawrence. It was the team’s first victory over Missouri in six years. Against the Tigers, she set a new KU pool record in the 100 fly with a time of 55.00, beating the old record of 55.56. She also recorded wins in the 200 fly (2:01.97), 100 free (51.96) and was a member of the winning 400 free relay team (3:29.97).

The NCSW Selection Committee consists of head coaches from the following universities: Case Western Reserve, California University of Pennsylvania, St. Francis, Virginia, St. Bonaventure, Grinnell, Washington & Lee, Shippensburg, Lock Haven University, and Washington State.

This is the first time that Leidigh has won the award. Former Kansas swimmer Amy Gruber won the same award last season after her performance at the Nike Cup.

The Jayhawks will next be in action Friday, Nov. 4, 2005 at a home meet against Missouri State and Iowa at 4 p.m.