Photo by: Sports Media Relations

New swim coach Jim Henry, who comes from Southern Methodist University (SMU) where he served as the assistant men’s coach for the past four years, is bringing changes to the University of Denver’s swimming program.

Henry replaces long-time DU swim coach Jim Bain, who is retiring.

The new coaching staff is busy with spring training that includes not only practice in the water but also dry-land strength and conditioning training to prepare swimmers for the 2003-2004 season.

With a new coach, change is certain. There is a new perspective on training in and out of the pool.

Freshman team member Chris Seibert said, “The new coach has really helped bring a lot of new excitement and enthusiasm to the team.

“The recruiting that he has done will benefit the team a lot in the seasons to come.”

This fall’s men’s team will be without three influential swimmers, Chase Kelly, Rob Converse and Asaf Shachaf, who are graduating.

The women’s team is losing only one member, senior Erin Lundy, who is graduating with her teaching degree after swimming five years at DU.

The team benefits from the fact that a number of strong swimmers are underclassmen.

The Pioneers will be competing for the second year in the National Independent Conference. The swimming program is also planning to change the teams it competes against.

The Pioneers are planning to attend the Notre Dame Invite next season instead of competing in the Speedo Cup, in which DU participated in previous years.

The Notre Dame meet will allow the Pioneers to swim against teams DU has never had the opportunity to compete against before.

Another change in the program is the venue where the team trains in the winter.

The team has traditionally had a winter training trip to Florida and California. Next season, the Pioneers are planning to go to Mexico.