craigdailypress.com

Craig — Before Tuesday, perhaps Andrew Aultman's most recognizable feature was his fiery red hair bobbing in and out of the waves he created in the swimming pool.

Not anymore.

Aultman, a Moffat County High School senior, was named the Western Slope League Swimmer of the Year last week at the state regional tournament in Grand Junction.

And, according to Aultman, it was a feat he never imagined he would win.

"I totally didn't expect it," he said. "When I heard I had won, I was really surprised."

The award isn't based solely on the athlete's performance in the pool; it is equally divided among academics, swimming and community involvement.

Aultman is a four-year scholar athlete award winner, academic letterman and swimming letterman. He also volunteers as a lifeguard for the Craig Parks and Recreation Department.

"I'm really excited for Andrew," MCHS coach Meghan Francone said. "There were a lot of good swimmers up for the award, but Andrew proved it's not just about how many state championships you win."

Although the award isn't based on the number of state titles a swimmer has earned, Aultman did his best to bring one home to Craig.

Aultman helped the MCHS swim team to a 13th place finish last weekend in the state championships in Fort Collins.

When asked if he would rather have won a state title or the Swimmer of the Year award, Aultman paused briefly and said, "The Swimmer of the Year."

"It's more about being a well-rounded athlete," he said. "I love to swim, but there are other things in life that mean more in the long run."

Aultman has been swimming since the third grade, but admitted he didn't really get serious about it until last summer.

That's when his swimming career took off.

"My coach at the time invited me to come out for the team," he said. "He really taught me a lot, and it's a decision that I'm really happy I made."

Aultman also is an accomplished pianist.

As a member of the MCHS band, he lettered all four years and was named Outstanding Bandsman of the Year in 2007.

And, if that wasn't enough, he is a columnist/reporter for the MCHS newspaper, the Post Script.

"It's been a really fun four years," Aultman said. "I wish I would have won an individual award at the state championships, but being honored as the WSL swimmer of the year makes up for it. And then some."

In the fall, Aultman will be attending the University of Wyoming, where he's planning on majoring in International Studies.

His competitive swimming career is over, but as he paused to reflect back on it, he had some words of advice for up-and-coming swimmers who hope to one day fit into his shoes - or swim trunks, for that matter.

"You have to keep a strong balance between school, work and swimming," he said. "If you go out and always give 100 percent - in the pool or in the class - and make good choices, good things will come to you.

"I know it did for me."