Swim finishes fourth, breaks two records
The Idaho swimming and diving team finished fourth at the Frank Elm Invite Nov. 23 at Rutgers. The highlight of the meet was freshman Christine Renzini finishing third in the 1,650-yard freestyle with a time of 16 minutes, 52.70 seconds — a new school record previously held for over 30 years. The Vandals also had winning swims by senior Rachel Millet and junior Jamie Sterbis. Millet broke a school record in the 400 individual medley, where she finished third with a time of 4:21.25.
Four straight for soccer
Despite missing the Big Sky Tournament, the Idaho soccer team still had some postseason hardware to add to the trophy case. With a team GPA of 3.35, the Vandals took home their fourth consecutive National Soccer Coaches Association of American Team Academic Award. This was the Vandals’ first NSCAA award as a member of the Big Sky as they won the award as members of the WAC previously.
“Our staff is very proud of our players and their accomplishments in the classroom and on the field,” Idaho coach Derek Pittman said. “This team academic award is a testament to all the hard work our players put into being successful student-athletes. A lot of credit goes to Dr. Susan Steele and her entire staff, because they work very hard with all of our student-athletes and it’s great to know that we work in an athletic department here at the University of Idaho that puts such a high priority on academics.”
Rehkow named Ray Guy Award finalist
Sophomore punter and kicker Austin Rehkow, a 2013 Walter Camp All-American, followed up his stellar freshman campaign with a stellar sophomore one. He was recently announced as one of the three finalists for the annual Ray Guy Award, which recognizes the nation’s top punter. The other two finalists for the award are Alabama’s JK Scott and Utah’s Tom Hackett. Rehkow, however, leads the nation in punting for the second consecutive year with an average of 47.8 yards per punt, which is good for a school record. Last season, Rehkow made the Ray Guy Award watch list, but this is his first season as finalist. The winner will be announced on Dec. 11 at the Home Depot College Football Awards.
Track and field staff expands
Idaho track and field coach Tim Cawley announced Nov. 30 that two coaches would be added to his staff for the 2014-2015 indoor and outdoor season. One of the coaches is Casey Masterson, who will assist with distance runners. Masterson is a 2012 graduate of Oregon State and ran cross country and competed in track and field with OSU until she exhausted her eligibility in spring 2012. She was a two-time NCAA qualifier during her career. The second coach is Corbin Duer, a third-year coach who comes to UI from Boise State. Before his job at BSU, he assisted at Cal Poly and coached both jumpers and pole vaults during his career. Both coaches are preparing for the 2016 Olympic Trials.
Men’s golf adds one for 2015
The Idaho men’s golf team added another signee from Canada, as Jacob Scarrow, a native of Mission, British Colombia, signed his letter of intent to play at Idaho. Scarrow will graduate from Hatzic Secondary this spring. During his junior season he amassed a number of top finishes, including winning the 2013 Fraser Valley AA Championship. He also participated in volleyball, soccer and lacrosse at Hatzic Secondary.