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Former Science Hill and DB coach to lead program
MILLIGAN COLLEGE, TN (January 24, 2007) — Milligan College announced at a media event this afternoon that swimming will become an intercollegiate sport at the college beginning in Fall 2007. Former Science Hill and Dobyns-Bennett High School coach Ron Goehring will head the program and is already recruiting student athletes. The team will utilize the college’s 25-meter swimming pool, located in Steve Lacy Fieldhouse.
“It is with great enthusiasm that we welcome swimming to our intercollegiate athletic program at Milligan College” said athletic director Ray Smith. “Under Coach Goehring’s guidance, we expect to be competitive both regionally and nationally.”
Milligan formerly had a swimming club from 1977 to 1986. The famed “Water Buffaloes” challenged both club and varsity intercollegiate teams. Under the leadership of Coach Chuck Gee, the team enjoyed much success, recording a perfect 11-0 record in 1981.
Milligan hopes to be equally successful with Goehring at the helm.
During his coaching career at Science Hill and Dobyns-Bennett high schools, Goehring was honored six times as the North East Tennessee Regional Swim Coach of the Year. He has served as the assistant aquatics director for Johnson City Parks and Recreation, head U.S.S. coach for the Johnson City Swim Association, swimming coach at The Ridges, and owner and operator of Aqua Gym. Additionally, he served as head coach of the Asheville High School swim program in 2003-04.
“As a coach, Ron Goehring has distinguished himself in a big way throughout this part of the country,” said Smith.
Goehring holds a bachelor of science degree in physical education and recreation from Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania and is a certified pool operator. He holds certifications in Swim America and the American Swim Coaches Association and is a certified American Red Cross instructor trainer in all swim levels.
Milligan has announced other program expansions in the last year. Additional athletic scholarships were made available to the tennis, cheerleading and track and field programs, along with coaching staff additions.
“Our commitment to our athletic programs is evident in the new facilities, additional scholarships and recent additions to our programs and athletic staff,” said Mark Fox, vice president for student development.
Goehring is currently recruiting male and female athletes with competitive swim experience for the program. For more information contact 800.262.8337 or swim@milligan.edu.
In the past 10 years, Milligan athletic teams have won 33 conference titles and made 39 national tournament appearances. The college maintains high standards for its athletes and has produced numerous All-Americans, All-Conference and Academic All-American players. The college has 15 intercollegiate programs that compete in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) and National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).