If there’s been an award to be won, odds are Scott Weltz has come away with the honor.
Prior to this season, Weltz’s resume already consisted of earning Big West Conference Freshmen of the Year honors and being named Big West champion in three events as a sophomore.
A redshirt last season, Weltz spent his year training as an open swimmer, qualifying for the Olympic Trials in the 200-yard breaststroke, 400 freestyle and 200 and 400 individual medley. He posted his best finish in the 400 IM, placing 30th.
Weltz picked up right where he left off for the Aggies this season, once again winning multiple events at the Big West Championships.
He won the 200 breast and 200 IM, setting new school, meet and conference records in both. His times were strong enough to qualify with “B” cut times, making Weltz UC Davis‘ first male swimmer to qualify for the NCAA Championships in College Station, Tex. last week.
At the Championships, Weltz became the first Aggie swimmer to be named an All-American, placing in the top 16 in both the 200 breast and 200 IM to earn the honors.
“With the two honorable mentions,” coach Pete Motekaitis said, “he lowered the conference and school record in the 200 IM, and set a new record in the 100 breast.“
The 100 breast record of 55.25 broke a five-year-old school record set by Matt Casto.
Throughout the season, Weltz showed his passion and determination in the pool. His hard work paid off as he set four individual school records and four relay school records.
Weltz holds the titles to the 100 breast (55.25), the 200 breast (1:54.91), the 200 IM (1:43.97) and the 400 IM (3:45.84).
– Andrea Gutierrez
