Calvin University freshman Jackson Merkel was named MIAA Men's Swimmer of the Week on Monday.
 
Merkel (Grandville, Mich./Grandville) won the honor for a strong first official meet of his collegiate career on Saturday against Grand Valley State University and Saginaw Valley State University at Venema Aquatic Center.
 
At the triangular meet, Merkel posted a pair of NCAA III 'B' cut times that are currently the top times in NCAA III this season. He swam a 49.0 in the 100 Backstroke, which was just off his career best time, and then swam a 1:49.6 in the 200 Backstroke that broke his previous best in that race by six seconds.
 
Merkel also anchored the 400 Freestyle Relay with a 45 second split that was good for one of the top 10 times in NCAA III this season.
 
The 17th-ranked Calvin men's swimming and diving team will return to action on Saturday, October 25, when it swims in the MIAA Invite at Holland Aquatic Center at 11:30 AM.