WTHS Senior Alex Chiu Named February Student-Athlete of Month
Washington Township High School senior Alex Chiu has been named the February 2019 Student-Athlete of the Month. The award is given monthly to a student-athlete who embodies selfless play, a commitment to his/her team, promotes team unity and positively influences team culture, both academically and athletically.
Chiu, a standout swimmer and team captain, holds school records in seven events: the 200 freestyle, the 100 freestyle, the 100 butterfly and the 100 backstroke and contributed to three record-setting relay teams. He also broke the Gloucester County Championship’s 200 free record and the SJISA Coaches’ Invitational 100 free record. He earned a place in the Meet of Champions in the 100 backstroke (placing fifth) and the 100 butterfly (placing seventh). An All-South Jersey selection, he was recognized by The South Jersey Times as the 2019 Swimmer of the Year. Academically ranking near the top of his senior class, Chiu was recognized by his teammates for great sportsmanship and has been nominated for All-America consideration.
“Our school’s partnership with the Positive Coaching Alliance has helped to produce an athletic culture of ‘Honoring the Game’, encouraging athletes to respect all aspects of their sport,” WTHS director of athletics and assistant principal Kevin Murphy said. “In the finest tradition of Minutemen swimmers, Alex Chiu will be remembered with the all-time program greats from Eric Brumberg (2002) to Billy Cregar (2007). Alex has contributed to the legacy of our Township swim program, a collection of top scholars, champion athletes and committed teammates who always honor the sport.”
“Alex is a great teammate who always placed the needs of the team first at all meets,” head swimming coach Jake Klavens said. “I have the utmost respect for Alex, his work ethic and dedication to the team, and the way he interacts with his teammates. He is a class act, a Township swimming legend, an academic scholar, and just an all-around great teammate and person. Alex will be greatly missed after graduation.”
Washington Township High School Athletic Director Kevin Murphy recognized Alex Chiu as the school’s February Student-Athlete of the Month.
WTHS head swimming coach Jake Klavens honored Alex Chiu at the team’s end-of-season banquet.