Monmouth University will reinstate men’s and women’s NCAA Division I swimming programs in the fall of 2015 the school announced on Thursday after consultation with its trustees.
This is exciting news for the college swimming world, just weeks after the blow received when College of Charleston announced that it was cutting its Division I programs.
The move comes as part of Monmouth’s agreement to join the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, which requires a certain number of “core sports” from its membership.
“As part of the agreement to join the MAAC conference, the university was charged to meet the core sport conference requirement,” Director of Athletics Dr. Marilyn McNeil said. “Because of the early success of swimming, the ready facility, the ability to meet the needs and interests of both male and female students, and an acknowledgement of the Shore area and its strength in these sports, Monmouth is excited for the future of swimming!”
Monmouth formerly had a swimming program that in 1974 won NAIA/AIAW men’s and women’s championships in the same season and had 16 All-Americans. Monmouth was also the collegiate program of Wendy Boglioli, who won an Olympic gold medal as part of the American 400 free relay at the 1976 Olympic Games, plus a bronze in the 100 fly.
That gold in the 400 free relay was the only one the American women would win at that meet.
They’ll join a conference that has a solid core of swim teams, including both men’s and women’s programs at Canisius, Farfield, Iona, Manhattan, Marist, Niagara, Rider, and Saint Peter’s. Siena also has a women’s team, and Bryant competes in the conference specifically in men’s swimming.
Monmouth University’s MAC is home to an indoor six-lane 25-yard pool that opened in August of 2009.
Matt Nunnally appointed Head coach. http://www.monmouthhawks.com
That’s is such great news!!! I wish college of charleston (sc) president McConnell. AD joe hull would understand what amazing sport that produces amazing students,and in turn amazing professionals for your community. THANK YOU
Welcome to MAAC swimming Monmouth
I went to Monmouth for 2.5 years and used the pool when I was there. The facilities are great and very under used. From November to March, local high school teams use it and then that’s it. After that, it sits dormant and is maybe used the Greeks for their Greek week events.
I’m glad that they are bringing back the swim team, because it was one of the things that was missing from the school. I will be going to at least a few home meets and maybe a relay if they decide to host one.