Colgate record holder Ashley Bottger Joins Swimming Staff at Kenyon.
7/10/2009 4:34:53 PM
HAMILTON, N.Y. - Former Colgate swimming standout Ashley Bottger has been named an assistant coach at NCAA Division III power, Kenyon College, it was recently announced.
Bottger, a four-year letterwinner for the Raiders, was an integral part of two Patriot League Championship squads. As a senior, the native of Weston, Conn., garnered first team all-league accolades after capturing the 100 free title in school, meet, league and Bucknell pool record time of 49.87. A week later, she lowered her school and league record in the event at the UGA Last Chance Meet with a 49.49. In addition to her Patriot League title in the 100, Bottger finished second in the 50 free (22.73) in school record time and tallied the second best time ever recorded at Colgate with a third-place effort in the 200 free (1:49.07). She also swam the anchor leg on four league title relays that broke school, meet, league and pool records – 200 free relay (1:31.57), 400 free relay (3:20.55), 200 medley relay (1:41.12), and 400 medley relay (3:39.23). Her leadership was invaluable to the success of the Raiders who finished the regular season 10-0 and was fourth in the final Division I Mid Major Poll by collegeswimming.com. Bottger, one of three tri-captains last year, was named the recipient of the 2009 Maroon & White Award, which is handed out to the student-athlete that demonstrates the ability to take an individual sport to its highest team level by consistently placing personal goals below the needs of the team.
“We are delighted Ashley Bottger will be joining us at Kenyon College,” said head coach Jim Steen. “Her drive and competitiveness as a swimmer will translate well as a coach. We are indebted to Colgate as it has already provided us with one exceptional coach in Aaron Weddle `05. With the addition of Ashley, Kenyon swimming will definitely reflect a strong Raider presence within the program.”
In the 2008-09 season, Kenyon captured its 23rd national title on the women’s side. The Lords’ men’s team won its 30th-consecutive title this past March, which is the longest streak in any sport on the NCAA Division I, II, or III levels.
“Bottger was the most sagacious and self disciplined ‘student’ of the sport that I have ever coaches,” said Colgate head coach Stephen Jungbluth. “That, in combination with her immense fortitude in seeking her goals, while never sacrificing her consideration for her teammates, was the primary reason for her unbelievable progression during her four-year career in addition to making her an invaluable leader. Those traits will serve her well now as a collegiate coach.”