Kastes named to SEC All-Freshman Team

FAYETTEVILLE – University of Arkansas freshman Katie Kastes was named to the 2008 Southeastern Conference Swimming and Diving All-Freshman Team, the league announced recently.

The SEC honored the conference’s top freshmen finishers in each individual event from the SEC Swimming and Diving Championships. Kastes received the honor for her third-place finish in the 200 butterfly. This is the first year for the All-Freshman Team.

“This is a tremendous honor for Katie,” said head coach Jeff Poppell. “She clearly established herself as not only one of the top freshman swimmers in the SEC, but also in the nation.”

The Palm Harbor, Fla., native also finished fourth in the 400 individual medley and fifth in the 500 freestyle at SECs. Kastes was a member of the 200 and 800 free and the 200 and 400 medley relay teams that all finished in the top eight.

Kastes qualified for the 2008 NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships and earned honorable mention all-American status for her 15th-place finish in the 500 free and her ninth-place finish in the 200 fly. Finishing ninth, Kastes turned in the best finish any Arkansas swimmer has ever had at the championships. Kastes also led the Lady Razorbacks with 10 wins this past season.

For more information about Arkansas swimming and diving, please log on to LADYBACKS.COM.