Sidelines

Vander Zalm named Swimmer of the Week

The Mid-American Conference tapped freshman Connor Vander Zalm as Men's Swimmer of the Week.

Vander Zalm made his college debut against Ball State on Friday and took first-place in the 500-yard freestyle in 4:48.16 and second in the 1,000-yard freestyle in 9:58.18. He also teamed with sophomores Dave Harris and Richard Shi and junior Mike Hurst to win the 400-yard freestyle relay in 3:12.42.

Vander Zalm helped lead the Bulls to its first win over the Cardinals since the 1999-2000 season and snapped a six game losing streak in season-openers for Buffalo.

UB Athletics recognized as Program of Merit

The Division IA Athletic Directors' Association named the University at Buffalo Division of Athletics CHAMPS (Challenging Athletes' Minds for Personal Success) program as a 2006 Program of Merit.

CHAMPS is a program designed to develop student-athletes in five areas - academic development, athletic development, career development, community service and personal development. By being named a Program of Merit, the Buffalo CHAMPS program rates as above average with at least one area that needs improvement.

Buffalo was the only program to be recognized as a Program of Merit. Three other schools, including fellow Mid-American Conference member Miami (Ohio), were given the distinction as a Program of Excellence, which is the highest award possible.

Student-athletes honored for academic success

Six different Buffalo student-athletes in three sports were recognized for academic success this week.

Three cross-country runners were named to be Academic All-Mid-American Conference team. Senior men's runner Andy Leonard was named to the team for the second consecutive year. Senior Karen Corey and sophomore Mary Veith were named on the women's side for the first time in their collegiate careers.

The 2006 College Sports Information Director's of America (CoSIDA) gave three other Buffalo student-athletes accolades. Two senior men's soccer players, goaltender Daniel Bell and defender Kevin Balkanloo, were named to the 2006 CoSIDA Academic All-District I University Division Men's Soccer Second Team. On the women's side, junior forward/midfielder Heidi Griffiths was selected to the 2006 CoSIDA Academic All-District I University Division Women's Soccer Second Team.