May 18, 2010

RICHMOND, Va. - George Mason senior Tiara Swindell put together one of the strongest individual performances at last weekend's ECAC Championships, and the Colonial Athletic Association has recognized her efforts. The conference announced Tuesday that Swindell was selected its Co-Women's Track Athlete of the Week.

Swindell finished second in the 400-meter dash and took second and fourth as an anchor in two relays last weekend. In the 400, the senior crossed the line in 53.55 seconds. In the 4x400 meter relay, her team was runner-up with a time of 3:39.72 and in the 4x100, her relay took fourth in 45.58 seconds.

The Hampton, Va., native was the CAA champion in the 400 with a time of 52.94 two weeks ago in Fairfax, and also served as the final leg on both of the Patriots' title-winning 4x100 and 4x400 relays.

Swindell is the third Mason athlete to win weekly honors from the CAA, as Dwight Webley and Rachaunn Ruffin were named the Men's Field and Track Athletes of the Week, on April 13 and March 30, respectively. She shares the award with Kayley Byrne of William & Mary.

Swindell along with select members of the Patriots will continue their post-season competition on May 27-29 at the NCAA Championships Preliminary Round in Greensboro, N.C. Swindell currently ranks 11th in the 400 regionally and her 4x400 relay's time of 3:36.98 from the Florida Relays in April ranks 23rd. The top 48 individuals and top 24 relays are assured of a spot in the championships.