THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, March 16, 1995 TAG: 9503140130
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 19 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY PATTI WALSH, COMPASS SPORTS EDITOR
LENGTH: Short : 50 lines
Granby's Sean Morris and Julie Jones have proved that you don't have to swim the fastest to be a champion.
The seniors were honored with the Eastern District's highest award, the John A. Tigmo trophy, which is chosen by the league's coaches. The award is given to the male and female swimmer who best represents the sport as a student, athlete and leader.
``Both are very well-rounded,'' Granby coach Judy Martin said, ``in and out of the water.''
Jones, who will also be Granby's valedictorian at graduation, won the 200 freestyle last season and was considered to be among the district's top three this season.
Though she has been honored with numerous academic awards, she says the Tigmo is her most prized achievement.
``Swimming is number one,'' she said. ``Before winning the Tigmo my greatest accomplishment was winning the district. It was quite an honor. Never mind anything else.''
Though Jones didn't win the district this time around, Martin couldn't be more proud of her.
``Julie came through like a real champion even though she didn't come in first place,'' she said.
Morris won the 100 breaststroke his junior year and was the 50 freestyle champion this season. Remarkably, Morris swam the entire season with a severe sinus problem that was the result of a baseball injury. A week after the season ended, he had corrective surgery.
``I couldn't breathe most of the time,'' Morris said. ``It made it a lot harder (to swim). I just got used to it.''
Added Martin: ``He's a true sportsman. He's not only the best swimmer, but he's the most popular.''
Morris said until the awards ceremony, he had forgotten about the Tigmo trophy and didn't expect it.
``I was so happy,'' he said. ``It's really nice because it's kind of a projection of the other coaches. It takes their votes to get the award and when you get it, it's not just for swimming. It's because you're a student and a leader.'' by CNB