Iowa State’s swimming teams may spend most of their time in the water, but they are also keeping their heads above the surface and in the books.

Twelve members of the men’s squad and seven of the women’s were named to the 1997-98 Academic All-Big 12 team on Thursday.

“Good academics is one of our team goals,” Trip Hedrick, ISU’s men’s coach said. “We talk about academic goals as if they’re swimming goals.”

Hedrick said success in school is something the team takes pride in. Texas and Texas A&M led the men’s side in academics, each placing 16 members on the list. ISU was fourth behind Nebraska’s 14.

Hedrick was disappointed not to be at the top of the list. “We’d like to improve. I’m not satisfied with only 12,” he said.

Three-time All-American Jay Schindler heads the men’s team for the fourth time in his career.

The ISU senior has been a first-team academic selection each season and holds school records in the 100 breaststroke, 200 medley relay and 400 medley relay.

Johan Andersson also kept his record perfect by making his fourth consecutive appearance on the list.

Sophomore Evan deSoeke, who owns school records in the 1,000 and 1,650 freestyle, appears on the first team for the second time.

In addition, Cyclones Martin Andersson, Jeff Gahan, Henrik Ingesson and Josh Nogar were selected to the first unit. Honorable mention selections included Bob Bredice, Dan Flannery, Brian Roska, Peder Skoog and Jeremy Wilson.

On the women’s side, Cyclone diver Erin Cowan led the list of the honorees. She holds four of ISU’s all-time 10 best scores in the one-meter event and notched seven first-place victories in dual meets this season.

Senior Bronwen Benbow completed her career by receiving academic honors for her fourth time.

Women’s Coach Duane Sorenson said the team set goals this season, and after seeing the results will be setting the bar higher next year.

But for now, “We’re real happy and excited,” he said.

Sorenson said that in swimming, where a professional sports career is not an option, his athletes must make sure they are student-athletes.

He said success in both areas of life go “hand-in-hand.”

A-Lisa Miles, a sophomore who had team-best times in three events this season, was also a first-team selection for ISU.

Kerry Kusz and Brooke Larsen also made the top group, while Heather Mattern and Lindsay Tempel were named honorable mention.

Nebraska placed 18 swimmers on the women’s list, followed by Missouri with 14, Texas with 13, Texas A&M 12 and Kansas 11.