This post was written by Hatcher reporter Nora Princiotti.
Former Colonial men’s swimming star Philip Graeter may be running out of room in his trophy case.
Graeter was named this year’sAtlantic 10 Male Co-Scholar-Athlete of the Year on Tuesday, making him the first-ever GW swimmer with the distinction.
Each year, the honor is given to a male and female starter or significant contributor to an A-10 team who carries a minimum 3.0 GPA and, according to the conference’s athletic directors, best exemplifies the term “student-athlete.”
“Phillip has been a wonderful representation of our team and what it means to be a student-athlete at GW,” head coach Dan Rhinehart said in a release. “His dedication both in the pool and in the classroom is what makes him an outstanding person who is truly deserving of this award. We couldn’t be prouder of him.”
The award also makes him the conference’s first swimmer and GW’s fourth student-athlete to receive the honor. He shares the award with VCU tennis standout, and recent graduate, Max Wennakoski.
During his time at GW, he made both the GW Athletics Academic Dean’s List and the A-10 Commissioner’s Honor Roll during each one of his semesters. As a senior, he earned the Georgey award for Male Athlete of the Year, the J. Dallas Shirley Most Outstanding Senior Male Student-Athlete title and, to top it off, a perfect 4.0 grade point average.
He is a three-time MVP and an 11-time A-10 Championship medalist. His three medals this season, including his first-ever individual gold in the 400 IM, propelled the Colonials to a fourth place finish at A-10 championships this year.
Graeter joins Matt Osborne, men’s soccer (2002-03), Svetlana Vtyurina, volleyball (1995-96), and Darlene Saar, women’s basketball (1994-95) on the list of recipients of the award from the University.
He will continue his study at GW as he pursues a masters degree in engineering management with a concentration in energy and environmental management.
