Calvin University sophomore Jackson Merkel was named MIAA Swimmer of the Week for men's swimming and diving on Monday.
 
Merkel (Grandville, Mich./Grandville) won the honor thanks to a strong performance in a triangular against ranked NCAA II opponents Grand Valley State University and Saginaw Valley State University on October 17 at Venema Aquatic Center.
 
At the triangular, Merkel won both the 100 backstroke and the 200 backstroke in times that currently rank first among NCAA III swimmers. His 100 backstroke time of 47.21 was just .01 off his time in last season's NCAA III Championships event that placed him fifth in the nation. His winning 200 backstroke time was 1:53.0.
 
Merkel also led off the 200 medley relay with an NCAA-leading 21.8 backstroke split and led off the 400 freestyle relay with time of 45.5 to help that relay to a top five NCAA III time.
 
This marks the third time Merkel has been named MIAA Men's Swimmer of the Week in his career.
 
Calvin swimming and diving will return to action on Saturday, October 24, when it competes in the MIAA Invite hosted by Hope College at Holland Aquatic Center.