William and Mary freshman Evan Baker (Chantilly, Va.) was recognized Tuesday for his outstanding season by being voted the Colonial Athletic Association's Men's Swimming Rookie of the Year.  The Tribe cleaned up in the voting of league coaches for end of the year awards, winning both Rookies of the Year and the Athlete of the Year for the men, becoming just the second school in conference history to win three out of the four swimming awards (ODU in 1996).

Baker proved he was the CAA's top rookie all season long but especially at the CAA Championships, where his 35 individual points led all freshmen in scoring.  He was the silver-medalist in the 200 fly, and broke the school record in the event with his prelims time of 1:46.45.  Baker also made the championship finals of the 100 fly, where he placed seventh in 48.36, and was 11th in the 50 free at 20.77.  All three performances also broke the Tribe's freshman records.  Baker also swam on the team's 200 free relay that tied for second overall in 1:21.27, the fourth-fastest time in school history.  For the year, Baker ranked third on the team in both points (217.75) and wins, with nine.  He is the third W&M men's swimmer ever and in the past four years to be named Rookie of the Year, joining teammate and 2013 honoree Will Manion (Haddonfield, N.J.).

2015 Colonial Athletic Association Men's Swimming and Diving Honorees

Men's Swimmer of the Year: Jeremiah O'Donnell, W&M
Men's Diver of the Year: David Sanchez, Drexel
Men's Swimming Rookie of the Year: Evan Baker, W&M
Men's Diving Rookie of the Year: Devin Hall, UNCW
Men's Swimming Coach of the Year: Matt Crispino, W&M
Men's Diving Coach of the Year: Beau Bunn, UNCW