Drew University in New Jersey is launching a collegiate diving program, school officials announced.
As the private institution celebrates the 20th anniversary of its swimming program, its athletic department will debut a diving team, in conjunction with swim season, The Daily Record reported. For the first time ever, swimming and diving will be offered to student-athletes, and participants will be able to compete in both events for points at the Landmark Conference competitions and championships.
"There is great excitement surrounding the Drew swimming and diving program this season," Athletic Director Jason Fein said in a statement. "For the first time, we will offer top-of-the-line equipment to train divers, which has already attracted talented new recruits to the program. It expands our already dynamic roster and boosts our presence at one of the biggest meets of the season, the Landmark Conference Championships."
Kayla Spinelli, a volunteer coach who was a diver at Bethany College, was selected to be the Drew University's first diving coach.
"It's really exciting thing," Spinelli said in a statement. "It can be for anyone."
Regulation diving boards have been installed at the school's F.M. Kirby Pool for athletes to train in both the one-meter and three-meter diving events at swim meets during the Rangers' upcoming season. The new diving boards are FINA approved. FINA, which stands for Fédération Internationale de Natation, is the world governing body for aquatic sports.
Previously, when Drew swimmers competed in the Landmark Championships, the team was not able to compete in diving events and, thus, could not score as many points as colleges who did.
"We were giving away opportunities to our athletes," said Drew Swimming Coach Eric Scheingoltz. "Getting the diving program up and running allows our program to expand and grow. The first thing it does is allow our meets to be complete; we won't be giving up points in two events."
The Landmark Conference began in 2007 with just one diving program. Drew University becomes the sixth school out of nine in the conference to offer diving to students.
Scheingoltz said Drew plans to enter its first team of divers at a dual meet in November.
