Men’s and women’s collegiate swimming will be added to the WVU Tech athletic lineup for the 2012-13 academic year, Tech officials announced today. Tech will pursue membership in the Appalachian Swimming Conference.
“We’re excited to be offering collegiate swimming in the fall,” said Carolyn Long, Tech’s campus executive officer. “Competitive swimming will enhance campus and student life, as well as support our critical recruitment initiatives. We expect to recruit 15-20 swimmers to campus by next fall—and, eventually, we hope the teams will bring 40 student athletes to our campus.”
The teams will be training in the University’s recently renovated on-campus aquatic center.
“Tech has been assessing the possibility of adding swimming since the facility reopened last spring,” said Athletic Director Frank Pergolizzi.
“The new swim program will be an excellent addition to our existing 11 NAIA varsity sports,” Pergolizzi said. We’ve got a wonderful facility and look forward to it getting a lot more use.”
Kaymee Kelly, Tech’s aquatics director, will serve as the University’s head swim coach. Her responsibilities will include recruiting, training and supervising the team.
“I’m confident in Kaymee’s coaching abilities and look forward to a very exciting swim season,” Pergolizzi said.