| Hall of Fame Memories | ||||||||||
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This is the second in a series of Vandal Athletics Hall of Famers sharing their memories of their days as Vandals. Nancy Bechtholdt Koch swam for the Vandals from 1979-1982. Koch not only qualified for nationals four times, she brought home eight individual national championships and set several national records. She was a 24-time All-American, and was named the Idaho Female Athlete of the Year for the 1979 season and still holds three Idaho school records. Her 500-yard freestyle record is nearly eight seconds better than the school's next best. Her 1,000-yard freestyle time is three seconds faster than anyone else has ever swam at Idaho and her 1,650-yard freestyle school record is nearly 20 seconds faster than any other Vandal's effort. Koch still holds all-time top-10 times in the 100- and 200-yard freestyle. Behind Kock, Idaho finished fifth in 1981 at nationals and seventh in 1982. Koch led the way for the school's highest national team finish by winning the 100- and 200-yard freestyle, placing second in the 500-yard freestyle and third in the 1,650-yard freestyle. She was on the 800-yard freestyle relay team that finished second 400-yard medley relay team that finished fourth. Koch won her fourth 200-yard freestyle title at the 1982 championship. She also won the 1,650-yard freestyle and placed fourth in the 100-yard freestyle and placed on three relays. To submit a nomination, email Director of Athletics Rob Spear (rspear@uidaho.edu) or Media Relations Director Becky Paull (bpaull@uidaho.edu). |
