Hoosier duo earns Big Ten honors

The Big Ten Conference has announced two IU athletes as Big Ten swimmer and diver of the week. Senior Sara Hildebrand and junior Meghan Medendorp were honored by the Big Ten in recognition of their achievements in competition after a blowout win at No. 17 Purdue on Jan.18.\nConsidered one of the nation's most improved swimmers in her sophomore season, Medendorp is among the top sprinters in the Big Ten this year. Against Purdue, she swam for three first-place finishes with victories in the 100-yard freestyle, 50-yard freestyle and in the 400-yard freestyle relay.\nThis honor is Medendorp's second this season. The first came after her performance against Northwestern on Nov. 9. Against the Wildcats, Medendorp won the 50 free, the 100 free and was part of both the 200 free and 200 winning medley relays. \nIn the 50 and 100 freestyle events, the Wisconsin native swam the season's best times. Her 50 free time ranks 32nd in the nation, while her 100 free time ranks 24th. Medendorp continued her season with strong showings at the Indiana Invitational and U.S. Open. At the U.S. Open, she placed 15th overall in the 50-meter freestyle and recorded a season best time in the event.\n"Meghan's success comes from two things," coach Dorsey Tierney said. "She has been competing with lots of confidence, which can do wonders. Also, she has worked hard to improve her fitness level. Her strength-to-bodyweight ratio is among the best I have seen. She has done a great job this year."\nAlso representing IU as the Big Ten diver of the week is standout senior Hildebrand, who was selected after finishing first in each of the two events she entered. \nWhile meeting the NCAA qualifying standards each time, the senior led the Hoosiers to a win over Purdue, scoring a 276.97 on one-meter and a 312.00 in the three-meter competition. \n"Sara has had so much experience competing all around the world," coach Jason Baumann said. "She has worked hard and is performing some of the hardest dives by any woman in the world. Her success comes from her willingness to challenge herself and improve every day"