Senior Bill Bass

Bill Bass Named Scholar All-American By CSCAA

July 19, 2012

NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Five months after winning his second BIG EAST crown in the 100 fly, Bill Bass has been recognized for his accomplishments out of the pool after being named a 2012 Scholar All-American by the College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA), it was announced recently.

“Congratulations to Bill,” said Irish head coach Tim Welsh. “This is a sign that Bill does everything right. He’s very committed to his school and he’s very committed to his swimming, which is great. He achieved high levels in both this year so I’m very proud of him and very excited for his recognition.”

In order to qualify for Scholar All-American status, the student-athlete must have a cumulative grade-point average of 3.5 or higher, and qualify for their respective national championship. Bass currently carries a 3.519 G.P.A. as an art studio major in the College of Arts and Letters.

He becomes the third Notre Dame men’s selection to the Scholar All-America list and the first since Ted Brown in 2007. Raymond Fitzpatrick (2000) represents the third member of the Irish team named to the prestigious list.

Bass was a top contender for the Irish for the third year in a row, leading the team and winning the conference title in both the 100 fly (47.03) and 200 IM (1:44.81) at the 2012 BIG EAST Championship. For his efforts, he was named the 2012 BIG EAST Most Outstanding Swimmer as well as earning all-BIG EAST honors in the 400 free relay, 200 free relay, 400 medley relay, 200 medley relay, 200 individual medley, 100 fly and 200 fly.

The rising senior from Chesterton, Ind., concluded his junior season with a 30th-place showing in the 200 fly (1:46.64) on the final day of the NCAA Championships and also was one of 12 Notre Dame swimmers to compete at the Olympic trials. He concluded the trials in 61st place in the 200m IM with a time of 2:05.75, representing one of five Notre Dame swimmers to claim a top-70 finish.

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