Michigan Athletes of the Year: Connor Jaeger and Joanna Sampson
Congrats to junior men's swimmer Connor Jaeger and junior women's gymnast Joanna Sampson on being named 2012-13 Michigan Athletes of the Year.
"Joanna and Connor are most deserving of the Female and Male Athlete of the Year awards," said David Brandon, the Donald R. Shepherd Director of Athletics. "Both individuals stood out above the rest in what has been a stellar year for Michigan Athletics. Joanna and Connor take great pride in representing Michigan, and we are pleased that both student-athletes will be returning this Fall for their senior seasons. We look forward to watching them continue to lead the women's gymnastics and men's swimming and diving programs to be leaders and best."
I mean, Jaeger did win two individual titles and helped win the team title. Hard to argue against him, I think, regardless of how well Burke did. Burke just plays a more high-profile sport.
...an Olympian (as was Mikulak).
Nobody could be MORE deserving than Trey, IMO. But this one seems pretty close to a tie. Couldn't go wrong with either one.
The fact that one is leaving school and the other is returning may be a factor.
Could easily have gone to Trey because while swimming is a "team" sport you can win individual accolades, giving you more individual visibility. It's hard to quantify what Trey individually contributed but we can all agree that it was a lot.
Mikulak, Burke, or Jaeger? Two national title winners or a NPOY? It's tough for us Michigan fans sometimes
How about a simple congrats? Great job you two. (Trey who? Just for today)