UWM's McClellan Heading To NCAA Championships

MILWAUKEE (March 2, 2011) - Freshman Emily McClellanof the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee women's swimming team made league history when she earned a spot in the 100 breaststroke at the NCAA Championships, the NCAA office announced yesterday.

By earning that spot at the meet, she will also get to compete in the 200 breaststroke and 200 IM after posting NCAA `B' cut times during the season in those events. She will become the first-ever female in Horizon League history and the first-ever Panther swimmer to compete at the NCAA Championship meet.

"As a team, we are very excited to see Emily get rewarded for her efforts and be invited to the NCAA's," UWM head coach Kyle Clementssaid. "She is a tremendous young lady who deserves all the recognition that she receives. It is a very proud moment for the team and university."

McClellan capped an amazing week at the Horizon League Championships last weekend by earning Horizon League Women's Athlete of the Year, the Women's Performer of the Meet and the Horizon League Women's Newcomer of the Year honors.

"I can honestly say that at the beginning of the swim season, I never would've seen myself where I am now," McClellan said. "I am so honored and excited for this opportunity. I'm glad to go and represent UWM, my team, my coaches and my family at a meet this huge. I could not have gotten through and made it this far if I did not have the team and coaches backing me up the whole way through. I know they are all so excited for me and I keep hearing from people that it is like I'm living my senior year as a freshman. It can only get better from here!"

She won league titles in the 100 breaststroke (1:00.61), 200 breaststroke (2:12.06) and 200 IM (2:01.27), setting new league records in each event.

It was her showing in the 100 breast that earned her a spot at the NCAA Championship, grabbing one of the final 30 spots of those who made the cut.

The UWM newcomer has had a phenomenal freshman campaign, setting League, school and freshmen standards in those three races, while also breaking Klotsche Natatorium records in the 100 breast (three times) and 200 breast. On the season, she won an amazing 17 times while taking second place on five other occasions.

"This team grows stronger each year and keeps taking steps towards the type of program that it deserves to be," Clements said. "Emily's performance was amazing, but we strive for more. We look forward to the future of this program, and we thank all those panthers that have come before us to pave the way. Today, like every day, is a great day to be a Panther!"

The NCAA Championships are scheduled for March 17-19 in Austin, Texas.

Courtesy of: Chris Zills, Milwaukee