STANDISH, Maine – Saint Joseph's College Associate Vice President/Chief Athletics & Recreation Officer Will Rothermel is pleased to announce that the College will begin sponsoring men's and women's diving as part of the Monks' swim program starting in the fall of 2023.
Saint Joseph's has sponsored men's and women's swimming as an NCAA varsity sport since the 2007-08 campaign and competes in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC), which annually hosts a conference championship featuring swimming and diving events.
In 16 years as a conference member, the Monks have competed in the GNAC Championships without the benefit of having a diving squad, the inclusion of which can substantially increase a program's chances of being a championship contender. Men's and women's divers will participate in the 1-Meter and 3-Meter events at the GNAC's as well as other regular season meets during the season.
Despite not having a diving program, the Monks have routinely finished in the top five in the GNAC Championship standings with the women's side notching a pair of runner-up performances (2008, 2015).
Members of the diving program will practice several times weekly during the season at local facilities and compete in meets where diving events are on the docket.
"We are so very pleased to expand opportunities and sport offerings with the addition of diving to our swimming program," said Rothermel. "Coach Felker has done a terrific job building a positive team culture and this enhancement will only make us more dynamic and competitive in the sport."
Head Coach Jared Felker, who recently completed his seventh season at the helm for the Monks, says "we are super excited about the addition of diving to our program! We have a strong nucleus of leaders and a great first-year class coming to campus in the fall. With the addition of diving, we increase our chances of winning conference championships."
Prospective swimming & diving student-athletes are encouraged to complete a Recruit Questionnaire (Men / Women) or contact Coach Felker directly to learn more.