FLUSHING, N.Y. (Feb. 7, 2023) - The City University of New York Athletic Conference has announced its end-of-year awards for the 2022-23 men’s swimming & diving season, as voted upon by the league’s head coaches.
Baruch swept the major awards, as
Youssef Elkhouly was voted Performer of the Year,
Leonardo Valdivia was selected Rookie of the Year, and head coach
Charles Lampasso was voted Coach of the Year.
Performer of the Year: Youssef Elkhouly, Baruch
Elkhouly was arguably the best swimmer all season long among the conference. Last year’s CUNYAC Rookie of the Year, Elkhouly had a strong performance at the CUNYAC Men’s Swimming & Diving Championship, highlighted by record-setting performances in the 100-yard freestyle, 200-yard I.M. and his 50-yard leg in the 200-yard freestyle relay. Overall, he accumulated seven goal medals across the three days and was named the Championship’s Most Valuable Performer.
“I’m honored to be named Swimmer of the Year and thankful to my coaches and teammates for helping me achieve this great accomplishment. Looking forward to another great season next year.”
Rookie of the Year: Leonardo Valdivia, Baruch
Valdivia had a sensational rookie campaign for the Bearcats. At the conference championship meet, he was crowned league champion in four events, including the 500-yard freestyle, 1650-yard freestyle, 200-yard freestyle and 800-yard freestyle relay events.
“This award may be in my name, but it is for all the swimmers that I have had the privilege of swimming with. First is to my teammates who always support and motivate me in practice. Next are the opponents who drive me to push myself further. Finally, to all the future swimmers I can’t wait to meet.”
Coach of the Year: Charles Lampasso, Baruch
Lampasso earned Coach of the Year for a fifth consecutive year and the eighth tie of his career as the men’s coach. Currently in his 19th
h season as Director of Aquatics and Head Men’s & Women’s Swimming Coach, Lampasso led Baruch to its fifth straight conference championship.
“I am very honored by this award and it really is a reflection of our team and coaches. It's all about them and the kind of year that we have had, their work ethic and dedication.”
2022-23 CUNYAC Men’s Swimming All-Star Awards
Performer of the Year: Youssef Elkhouly, Baruch
Rookie of the Year: Leonardo Valdivia, Baruch
Coach of the Year: Charles Lampasso, Baruch
Sportsmanship Award: Alex Winter, York
Sportsmanship Team: Samuel Yakubov, Baruch; Ronaldo Barrios, Brooklyn; Musa Mazreku, Lehman
2022-23 CUNYAC Men’s Swimming All-Stars
Youssef Elkhouly, Baruch
Leonardo Valdivia, Baruch
Gary Danilyan, Baruch
Eli Meron, Baruch
Jordan Lin, Baruch
Michael Guzman, Baruch
Eric Goldshteyn, Baruch
Christian Hoyek, Brooklyn
Ronaldo Barrios, Brooklyn
Brandon Coombs, Lehman
Romulo Valadez, Lehman
Alex Winter, York
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