Whitaker Qualifies For 2012 NCAA Swimming Championships

NORTH DARTMOUTH, Mass. – The NCAA Division III Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving Selection Committee announced Keene State College senior Jillian Whitaker (Guilford, N.H.) has qualified for the 2012 NCAA Division III Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving Championship at the Indiana Natatorium in Indianapolis, Ind. between March 21 and 24. Whitaker is one of just 242 swimmers to advance to the national meet, while classmate Maureen O'Leary (Nashua, N.H.) will serve as one of five alternates.

Whitaker is making her debut as an individual competitor and third overall appearance in the NCAA Championship. The senior from Guilford, N.H. is a two-time All-American in the 200-medley relay, combining to finish eighth overall in the 2010 and 2011 national championships. She earned a berth in the field by qualifying for the 100 breaststroke event. Whitaker established a New England Intercollegiate Swimming and Diving Association meter record when she touched the wall at one minute and 3.98 seconds to capture the individual title at the regional championship on Feb 18, 2012. Her time is the sixth fastest in Division III and an Owl record. Whitaker has also been invited to participate in the 200 breaststroke.

O'Leary will serve as an alternate at the 2012 NCAA Division III Championships in the 200 butterfly event. The senior from Nashua, N.H. posted a national qualifying time at the NEISDA Championships on Feb. 19, when she tripped the timer at two minutes, 06.54 seconds. O'Leary sat atop the awards podium and the Keene State women's swimming individual records list with her performance. Last year, she joined Kaila Umbarger (Chelmsford, Mass.), Liannna Wissmann (Orleans, Mass.) and Whitaker as All-Americans on the Owl 200 medley relay team.

Franklin College and the Indiana Sports Corporation will serve as hosts for the 2012 NCAA Division III Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving Championships.