April 14, 2009
(release courtesy of Simpson College marketing and public relations)

INDIANOLA, IOWA . . . Simpson College recently added men’s swimming as its 19th NCAA Division III athletic program.

The men’s swim team will begin competing as a member of the Iowa Conference during the 2009-10 academic year.

“Simpson offers students many exceptional opportunities for leadership and personal growth outside of the classroom, including many quality athletic programs,” said Simpson College President John Byrd. “By adding men’s swimming as our 19th varsity program, we are giving even more students the chance to take advantage of the benefits provided by participating in college athletics.”

The men’s swimming program began as a club sport at the college. The new program, which will also be led by women’s swimming head coach Aaron Strain, will be open to incoming students as well as those that already attend Simpson.

“We are very excited about moving our men’s swim team from a club team to a varsity program,” said Simpson Athletic Director John Sirianni. “We believe we are in an excellent location to build a quality program. Under head coach Aaron Strain’s outstanding leadership, we anticipate a very competitive team in the near future.”

The Simpson men’s swim team is one of only a few NCAA Division III men’s swimming programs in Iowa, so the team will provide a great opportunity for many high school swimmers to continue their careers on the collegiate level.

“We’re excited about growing the swimming program at Simpson,” said Strain. “Participating in a sport enhances a student’s college experience, and this is just another opportunity for Simpson students to continue to participate in an activity they enjoy.”

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