CHARLOTTE, N.C.- Queens University of Charlotte men's swimmer Marius Kusch was named CollegeSwimming National College Swimmer-of-the-Week taking the men's NCAA division II selection according to the site's release today. Kusch secured five first-place finishes over the weekend as the team competed in the South Carolina Invitational against South Carolina, UNC-Wilmington, East Carolina, and Wingate.
 
"This is a big honor for Marius and our program," said Associate Head Coach John Long. "He continues to lead as a captain in and out of the pool and this snapshot is a testament to his hard work and character. He thrives under the pressure of swimming against world class athletes and I'm excited to see him rise to the occasion at conference and NCAA's."
 
Kusch's individual performance over the weekend produced two top swims, taking the 100 yard butterfly (48.50) and the 200 yard freestyle (1:38.63). Improving his performance by three seconds in the 200 yard individual medley, Kusch clocked a 1:51.22 for an NCAA "B" standard as he narrowly missed the first place touch by two tenths of a second. He would claim second place in the event. Kusch finished his individual performance with the 100 yard freestyle, swimming a 45.46 for fifth place.
 
Aiding the team's success, Kusch boosted three relay teams to the top of the pool. Starting with the 200 yard freestyle, Kusch's second leg swim clocked a 20.49 split time as the team secured a 1:21.77 time overall to out-touch the host school of South Carolina by a second. He would also see a first place finish in the 200 medley relay, assuming the lead-off role with a 23.29 split with a team time of 1:28.76. The meet concluded with the 400 yard freestyle relay event going to Kusch and the Royals as the team posted a 2:25.41 with the help of Kusch's lead off swim of 44.89.
 
Kusch claimed a second place finish with the 400 yard medley relay clocking a 3:15.43. He swam a 47.61 for the third leg of the event.  
 
Kusch and the Royals will compete at the Bluegrass Mountain Conference Championship from February 8-11.