Sophomore swimmer Bryson Chiu, a native of Carmel, Ind., has been named this week's Seattle University Featured Student-Athlete of the Week for his exemplary performances both in the pool and in the classroom.
Chiu is one of five Seattle University swimmers to have already qualified for the 2008 NCAA Division II Swimming and Diving Championships, to take place at the Mizzou Aquatic Center in Columbia, Mo. He qualified by being a part of the 200 medley relay quartet that posted a qualifying time of 1:32.82 at the Husky Invitational in late November. Right now, that is the top time this season in Division II competition. Chiu is eligible to swim in the 100 backstroke, the 200 individual medley, and the 400 individual medley at the national meet.
Last year as a freshman, Chiu earned four honorable mention All-America awards for his performance at the 2007 NCAA Division II Swimming and Diving Championships in Buffalo, N.Y. Individually, he finished 13th in the 200 individual medley in 1:54.63 and 14th in the 200 breaststroke in 2:08.60. He was also part of the 400 medley relay squad that finished ninth in 3:23.23 and the 200 freestyle relay quartet that finished 11th in 1:25.05. He won the 200 individual medley at the Pacific Collegiate Swim Conference Championships with a time of 1:53.28.
Chiu is majoring in fine arts and digital design with a 3.225 grade point average. He is admired by his coaches and teammates for his work ethic and ability to balance his studies and his athletic prowess.
"Bryson is a quiet force. He is open if not highly eager to learn and continues to improve. He is team-centered and has contributed successfully to the program on a myriad of levels," head coach Craig Mallery said.
The Featured Student-Athlete of the Week is chosen by members of the Seattle University athletic administration, who consider a student-athlete's performance both in the classroom and in competition.