Swimming Office

Head Coach:
Tom Stafford
937-484-1389 fax

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Stafford Named Coach of Urbana’s Swim Program
Newest Blue Knight sport to begin competing in Fall 2008
URBANA, Ohio (March 24, 2008) – Urbana University Director of Athletics Doug Young is pleased to announce Tom Stafford as the head coach of the Blue Knight’s newest sports, men’s and women’s swimming. During the fall of 2008, Urbana will compete in men’s and women’s swimming as an intercollegiate sport for the first time in the University’s history.

“We are very fortunate to have a man like Coach Stafford leading and developing our new swimming program,” said Young. “He has the ability and experience to make an immediate impact on the culture of swimming in our area.”

Stafford, a Springfield, Ohio City Schools physical education teacher for the past 14 years, has 16 years of experience coaching swimming. He is currently a coach for the Tecumseh Tidal Waves, a competitive, YMCA swim team comprising of swimmers from six years of age to 17 years old. In just its second year the Tidal Waves has 30 members, including one AA champion and three AA finalists.

“It’s real exciting to be involved with building of a new program. The athletic department has a great vision that I’m thrilled to become a part of,” said Stafford. “This is a great opportunity for Urbana University. The world of NCAA D-II swimming is very competitive and I believe within the next couple of years we can be at that level.”

Stafford was head swim coach at Wittenberg University for three years from 1992-95. His Tiger swimming club produced seven all-Americans, the university’s first North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) swimming championship, and two Team Academic All-American Awards.

In addition to having success as a coach, Stafford was a standout at Fairmont State ( W.Va.) where he specialized in the free-style sprints and was named a four-time NAIA all-American. He was a two-time state qualifier at Marietta High School.

Stafford, who graduated from Urbana University with his master’s of education degree, has also served as program and aquatic director of the Columbus American Red Cross and YMCA. His other coaching experience includes: Mitchell Hills Club, North High School, Grove City High School, Urbancrest Club and Fairmont Aquatic Club ( W.Va.).

“I have lived and coached in this area for more than 20 years,” said Stafford. “I believe, with my local connections, I can build a successful swim program at Urbana. I am committed to the total success of our collegiate student-athletes.”

He is a member of the American Swimming Coaches Association, as well as a Mitchell Hills board member.

Stafford has two daughters: Jordan (17) and Shelby (15), both students at Greenon High School.