Zac Solis Named January Male Student-Athlete Of The Month

St. Peter, Minn. – A common theme throughout the heavy training month of January was seeing sophomore swimmer Zac Solis (Centennial, Colo.) consistently turn in impressive swims and consistently find his way onto the podium.  For his hard work and steady performances, Solis has been named the January Male Student-Athlete of the Month.

“Zac is one of the hardest workers and most driven athletes I’ve had the privilege of coaching,” said head coach Jon Carlson.  “Although his work ethic is top notch, his greatest attribute is that he loves to race.  Zac thrives on competition and loves to swim in big races.”

Zac Solis’ month began in a dual against Carleton on Saturday, Jan. 12.  He swam to three individual top three finishes, winning the 1,000 freestyle (10:21.07) and 200 backstroke (2:02.03) while also placing third in the 200 individual medley (2:06.83).

A week later at the Grinnell College Invitational held Jan 18-19, Solis led Gustavus to its second straight runner-up finish.  On day one of the meet, Solis provided the Gusties a first place finish in the 500 freestyle after touching the wall in 4:51.18.  He also assisted in the third place finishes of the 800-free relay and 400-medley relay on day one.

On day two of the Grinnell Invite, Solis posted another win after out-touching the field in the 200 free with a time of 1:46.75.  The sophomore also added a second place mark in the 200 back (1:58.80) to round out his top swims of the weekend.

Solis capped off the month with several outstanding races in the Black and Gold’s loss to St. Thomas in a dual on Jan. 26 in the Lund Center Natatorium.  The Centennial, Colo. product provided the Gusties big points in the distance races, winning the 1,000 freestyle with a time of 1:28.98 and finishing runner-up in the 500 free with a time of 4:53.04.

In January, Solis won five races, placed second in another two, and had one third place mark.

“Despite the hard training the team went through in January, Zac put together an amazing month with outstanding swims at each and every meet,” said Carlson.  “I’m excited for Zac and the rest of the team as we taper in preparation for the MIAC Championships coming up in less than two weeks.”

The 2013 MIAC Swimming and Diving Championships are set to take place on Feb. 14-16 in the Aquatic Center on the campus of the University of Minnesota.  Heading into the MIAC Championships, Solis ranks third in the league in the 200 backstroke, fourth in the 1,000 free, fifth in the 500 free, seventh in the 200 free, and ninth in the 400 IM.