For Immediate Release: February 7, 2006
Contact: Thomas Moore II (sports@binghamton.edu)
Phone: 607-777-2956

Tayla named America East Men's Swimming Performer of the Week

America East Conference Release

VESTAL, N.Y.--Binghamton University sophomore Kaan Tayla (Ankara, Turkey) has been named the America East Men's Swimming Performer of the Week for January 31- February 6. This is the second time this season and the fourth time in his career he has received this honor.

Tayla won a pair of individual events and was the decisive piece of the 400-medley relay that started out the dual meet against conference rival Stony Brook with a victory for the Bearcats. Tayla touched first in the 50-free (21.08) for the win and then in the 100-free he was triumphant in 46.20, breaking the Stony Brook pool record of 46.28. In the come-from-behind victory in the 400-medley relay Tayla took the water 1.48 seconds behind Stony Brook’s Jason Maschi. Tayla swam his leg 4.79 seconds faster than his Stony Brook competitor to win the relay in 3:26.69 which helped spark the team that eventually would win the meet 122-121. For the season the Bearcats went undefeated against conference schools and finished the dual season with a 9-2 record.

"In the meet against Stony Brook, every event could not have counted more," head coach Patrice Back said. "Kaan can rise to the occasion when we need him. He started off the meet with a come-from-behind win in the 400-medley relay. He swam amazing in both his individual events. I hope this is an indicator of how Kaan can swim at America East Championship and how the team can get together and do what is necessary for a win."

The Bearcats are off next week before embarking on their biggest meet of the season, the America East Conference Championships, which will be held at Boston University on Feb. 16-19.

NOTE: This marks the fourth consecutive week that a member of the Binghamton men's swimming team has received this award. David Holmes received the award the three prior weeks. Of the 11 weeks this award has been given out this season, Binghamton has grabbed it nine times.