Vavra named Big Ten Swimmer of the Week

After putting up an NCAA automatic qualifying time in the 400 individual medley, and setting a new school record in the 200 individual medley, Indiana University senior swimmer Allysa Vavra is the Big Ten Swimmer of the Week for the first time in her career.

Competing against the likes of Georgia, California and Auburn at the Georgia Invitational last weekend, Vavra took second in the 400 IM with a time of 4:04.60. That mark automatically qualifies her for the 2012 NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships in Auburn, Ala. and is also the third fastest time in school history. Vavra now owns the five fastest times ever at IU.

Vavra also took third in the 200 individual medley with a time of 1:56.80. That is an NCAA provisional qualifying time and also sets a new IU record, surpassing her previous time of 1:57.01 set at the 2011 Big Ten Championships. Vavra currently holds school records in the 200 IM, 400 IM and 200 breaststroke.

The senior also posted NCAA provisional times in the 1,650-yard freestyle (16:22.25), 200-yard breaststroke (2:11.11) and the 800-yard freestyle relay (7:14.48).

Vavra and the Hoosiers have completed the 2011 portion of their schedule. The team returns to action on Jan. 7 with a dual meet against conference rival Michigan in Ann Arbor.