The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
O'Halloran, Weber-Gale named Male Student-Athletes of the Month
02.01.2007 | Texas Athletics
 | |
| Tyler O'Halloran |
O'Halloran, Weber-Gale sounds as though it could be the name of a legal firm.
Certainly, Tyler O'Halloran and Garrett Weber-Gale have laid down the law to their men's swimming opponents in the Big 12 Conference, as well as nationally, during their matriculation on the Forty Acres.
And in addition to what this twosome has accomplished in the water, they both have sterling records on land and, thus, are the Male Student-Athletes of the Month for February 2007.
O'Halloran, a senior journalism major from Boardman, Ohio, is a tri-captain of the 2007 squad. He is an honorable mention All-America, a four-time Big 12 Conference champion and the owner of the UT record in the 200 free relay.
On land, O'Halloran was a first-team Academic All-Big 12 selection, as well as on the Big 12 Commissioner's Honor Roll.
Weber-Gale, a Stevens Point, Wis., native, is a two-time NCAA champion and owns the UT and NCAA record in the 400m medley relay. He also is the school record-holder in the 100 freestyle and 200 free relay.
 | |
| Garrett Weber-Gale |
And . . . Weber-Gale, the 2004 Big 12 Conference Freshman of the Year, owns the UT and American record in the 200m medley relay.
The corporate communications major was a member of the 2005 U.S. World Championship Team and a qualifier for the 2007 team.
Along the way, he also has been able to earn Academic All-Big 12 honors, as well as have a spot on the Big 12 Commissioner's Honor Roll.
"Being selected Student-Athlete of the Month is a big honor," Weber-Gale said. "Texas is such a big school with so many student-athletes, I am honored to be chosen."
With regard to his "on land" honors, along with the swimming success, Weber-Gale points to coach Eddie Reese.
"To him, it is classroom first," Weber-Gale said of the legendary UT swim coach. "Coach Eddie believes if you can't do it in the classroom that you aren't going to be able to do it in the pool. He always says that we are students first and athletes second."
Weber-Gale is particularly impressive because of his overall excellence.
"When you get to Texas, the school makes sure that they give student-athletes all the help they can to get settled academically," he said. "We have tutors and we have so many nice people in the student services office to assist us all."
Upon graduation, Weber-Gale plans on being an entrepreneur and has an eye on his own boating business.
Until then, he looks forward to continued good things in and out of the pool.
"I have really appreciated this opportunity at Texas," Weber-Gale said. "What I also have appreciated is the chance to represent The University of Texas, and that is something I will do for the rest of my life.
"Coach Eddie says when we are out, we are Texas and that we never should forget whatever we do and wherever we go, we'll always represent The University of Texas. I'm glad I am."
As is Texas.
