Behind the Scenes: Post University Swimming Program Gaining Momentum
Waterbury, CT (July 21, 2009) – At the heart of every solid organization, talented people are hard at work building something big from the ground up. That is exactly what Post University's new Head Swimming Coach RJ Wojtylak is set on accomplishing.
Wojtylak was named head coach of Post University's first year program in November of 2008. Since then, he will tell you it had not been easy but, the challenge of building a program attracts the most dedicated professionals.
“It has been a challenge adjusting to the new coaches in the area,” said Wojtylak. “Having family in the area in addition to working with a professional athletic staff has made the process a lot more enjoyable.”
Wojtylak left his coaching position at Bloomsburg College in Pennsylvania to join the Post University community. For the first season, he has been able to secure several talented swimmers including a few high school state championship qualifying swimmers who will bring a real competitiveness to the team.
Already on his way to solidifying a strong recruiting class for this season, Wojtylak is making plans for 2010-2011.
“Swim coaches need to have a long range plan in mind because talented swimmers commit to a school early in the decision making process,” commented Wojtylak.
His reasoning why swimmers commit early is tied to the academic success swimmers have in the classroom. “In 11 years of my coaching career, I have coached an Academic-All American team,” he added. An All-American team is when the entire team earns a high GPA.
For its inaugural season Wojtylak scheduled a meet that will take place in Daytona Beach, Fla. on January 6th, 2010. with approximately 12 colleges competing. While in Florida, the Eagles will train over the course of 10 days in a pool featuring a 50 meter long pool with 8 lanes.
Each of the swimmers on the Post University team will have an opportunity to qualify for the ECAC Championships in February 2010 at the University of Pittsburgh. The meet provides competitive swimming among the toughest teams in the ECAC and the Eagles will have a chance to compete against division I schools.
When coaching for Westminster College, a division III school, Wojtylak guided his team to a 15th place finish out of 30 teams.
“When we first arrived, the division I teams looked at us and asked what we were doing there,” laughed Wojtylak. “After the meet was over we made a statement with our performance and made a name for ourselves.”
Unlike other sports, swimming is known for close competition, which is attractive for many student-athletes. With the Eagles competing at the division II level, swimmers will still be exposed to great competition throughout their career.
The season will get underway with the first meet taking place on November 7th at Misericordia University.
