April 10, 2008

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Alabama Swimming and Diving rookie Catalin Cosma closed out a spectacular first year that included a pair of All-American honors with a spot on the inaugural Southeastern Conference All-Freshman team.

Cosma was the league's top freshman in the both the 500 and 1,650 freestyle at the SEC Championships, finishing fourth overall in the 1,650 and seventh in the 500. Far from done, he went on to the NCAA Championships, finishing sixth in the mile and 13th in the 500 freestyle.

"Catalin had a tremendous year and is obviously one of the nation's top distance swimmers," Alabama head coach Eric McIlquham said. "He kept getting better as the season progressed and had his best swims at the championship level. He fed off the level of competition, getting fasters with each swim. To be named one of the best freshmen in the nation's top conference is quite an honor and a well deserved one in Catalin's case."

Cosma, who helped a young Crimson Tide team to a 22nd place NCAA finish, earned All-American honors in the mile and honorable mention All-American honors in the 500 freestyle.

The Arad, Romania native finished the season with a personal-best 14:57.43 in the mile, which puts him fourth all-time for the Crimson Tide in that event. His time in the 500 freestyle, 4:17.64, puts him second all-time for the Tide, less than a second off the school record set by UA legend Arne Borgstrom in 1982.