hamilton university Nathaniel Taft '27 (Fairfield, CT/Fairfield Ward High School) New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) Rookie of the Year after the conclusion of the 2024 NESCAC Men's Swimming and Diving Championships on Sunday, Feb. 25, at the Colby College Aquatic Center. Was chosen.
Taft is Hamilton's first Rookie of the Year since the award's inception in 2013. He also earned all-conference honors in three freestyle events. Athletes who finish in the top three in an individual or relay event will receive All-Conference results.
Taft took first place in the 50-yard free on February 23 with a time of 19.84 seconds. His time of 19.83 seconds in the morning qualifying heat broke his own team record and earned him a “B” cut for the NCAA Championships.
On February 24, Taft placed second in the 200 free with a time of 1:36.59. He went even faster in qualifying with a 1:36.22, again breaking his own team record and earning an NCAA “B” cut.
Taft saved his best performance for last and returned to the top of the podium on Sunday. He placed first in the 100 free in 43.71 seconds, but his qualifying time of 43.57 seconds set team, pool and meet records and earned him another “B” cut at the NCAAs.
Selection announcements for the 2024 NCAA Division III Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving Championships are scheduled for Wednesday, February 28th.
