The Cullen Jones Award

The Cullen Jones Award

 

            At the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, a former Essex County High School swimmer, Cullen Jones, reached the pinnacle in his sport by winning a gold medal as a member of the US 400 Freestyle Relay team.  Cullen Jones graduated from St. Benedict’s Prep in 2002, and still holds the Essex County Meet Record in the 50 Freestyle that he set that year. 

            In honor of this rare achievement, the Essex County Athletic Directors Association is institute the Cullen Jones Award, given annually to the Most Valuable Swimmers, one boy and one girl, at the annual Essex County Swimming Championships. 

            Swimming is a sport where individual efforts sometimes take precedence over team concerns.  Indeed, some elite swimmers choose not to represent their high schools at all.  Thus the Cullen Jones Award serves as a celebration of high school swimming and as a reminder that swimming for one’s high school team can truly be a part of the experience of those who reach the highest levels. 

            In addition, Cullen Jones’ personal story is inspiring to many.  This award also serves as a reminder that one can reach the highest level in sports even where cultural and economic circumstances may be viewed by many as a hindrance. 

             


Criteria for Selection

            The Cullen Jones Award will be based on an objective point scale.  Both individual and relay swims will be recognized.  Cullen Jones won his Gold Medal as part of a relay team, and relays are of great importance to the team spirit of the County Meet.  Of course, we also do not want to favor swimmers on strong relay teams over those on weaker relay teams. 

            Thus, the Cullen Jones Award would be presented to the boy and girl who earn the most points according to the following standard: 

 

1.      Team points earned in individual events, plus

2.      The ranking of the top 12 relay splits, with a 8, 6.5, 6, 5.5, 5 , 4.5, 3.5, 2.5, 2, 1.5, 1. 0.5 point system (this is relay scoring divided by 4) for each of the following: 

 

Medley Relay

Each of 50 back, 50 breast, 50 fly, 50 free

 

200 Free Relay

Leadoff Leg

Relay Split

 

400 Free Relay

Leadoff Leg

Relay Split      

 

           

           

 

 

 

 

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