Bates men's swimming student-athletes Marrich Somridhivej and Benjamin Wolking have been honored as CSC Academic All-America庐 selections, making them the 23rd and 24th recipients in Bates athletics history. Somridhivej, who has a 3.93 GPA, is a two-time national champion and a standout at the NCAA DII Championship, while Wolking, with a perfect 4.00 GPA, excels in biomedical engineering and contributed to a record-setting 200-yard freestyle relay victory.

By the Numbers
  • Marrich Somridhivej maintains a GPA of 3.93 and is a two-time national champion.
  • Benjamin Wolking holds a perfect 4.00 GPA and was part of a 200-yard freestyle relay that set a new school and conference record at 1:19.47.
Yes, But

While both athletes have achieved significant individual and team success, the academic and athletic commitments required for such honors can present challenges, balancing rigorous studies alongside competitive swimming.

State of Play
  • This recognition is part of the Division III Academic All-America program supported by the NCAA.
  • This is the second time in Bates history that two athletes from the same sport have earned Academic All-America accolades in the same season.
What's Next

With these accomplishments, both athletes could see increased opportunities in future academic and athletic endeavors, potentially influencing their careers beyond college swimming.

Bottom Line

Somridhivej and Wolking's achievements highlight the impressive synergy of academic excellence and athletic prowess at Bates, serving as an inspiration to future student-athletes.