Some exciting news is coming out of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference, as Roanoke College has announced it will be adding both a men’s and women’s swimming squad to its intercollegiate sport offerings. The Salem, Virginia-based school revealed earlier this fall that the program’s goal is to begin competition in the 2017-18 season.
In addition to the swimming team’s creation is the announcement of Roanoke’s new head coach. The Division III independent liberal arts college has hired Scott Thacker to lead the inaugural season of men’s and women’s swimmers. 29-year-old Thacker competed in the 2012 Olympic Trials as a 17-year veteran of competitive swimming. He was 2005 VHSL state champion in the 100m breaststroke and continued on as a 4-year member of the Florida State University swimming team. While in Florida, Thacker was a member of his school’s first ever ACC team title.
Having served most recently as Head Coach of Shenandoah Marlins Aquatic Club, Thacker now says he is eager to begin his college coaching career.
“My long-term goal was always to make the transition to college coach. It’s a very difficult avenue to get into. When I learned of this position, I was extremely interested.
“Through the interview process, I was very drawn to the environment, very drawn to the mission of Roanoke the institution as well as the athletics department. I was very excited about the opportunity.”
Roanoke College was founded in 1842 and is the 2nd-oldest Lutheran-related college in America. Currently around 2,000 students attend the school, which has 21 athletic programs. The new swimming teams intend to practice at the Salem YMCA, which is located on Roanoke’s Elizabeth Campus.
Doubtful Scott will remain longer than a few years at best. He’s coached on 6 or 7 teams since leaving college.
It was actually 3 teams before taking the job at Roanoke College (Roanoke College sought him out) and each move was the right decision for him. He just completed his second ODAC Conference Championship as the head coach of Roanoke College Men’s and Women’s swimming and was named the ODAC Men’s Coach of the Year. A team that is only 2 years old took 2nd in the men’s competition and 3rd in the women’s. 40 school records broken, 5 Individual Conference Championship swims, 3 individual conference champions, 2 NCAA B Cuts, 1 Men’s rookie of the meet. He’s been there for more than 2 years and I doubt he is going anywhere anytime soon. I’m not sure why you posted… Read more »