The Texas A&M Aggies have hired Bolles School Sharks coach Jason Calanog as their new men’s assistant. Calanog was specifically affiliated with the club team, and is the head of their late night program. He was the primary coach, under the umbrella of program head coach Sergio Lopez, responsible for the training of National Age Group and National High School Record holder Caeleb Dressel. Dressel won the 50 free NCAA Championship last year as a freshman at Florida.
“Jason is a high-energy individual with a driven personality, and I believe he will be a great addition to our program,” head coach Jay Holmes said. “Most people would look at his resume and be impressed with his accomplishments, but he feels like he has a lot to prove and he’s not afraid to work hard to get there. He’s coached a bunch of high-level swimmers and they are on rosters all across the SEC and the nation.”
Calanog has a long resume that includes many national and international-level appointments. His first college coaching job came as a student assistant under Lopez at West Virginia Univereity; he has also served as a Natinoal Team Coach for the Philippines at multiple meets (including the World Championships and Olympics).
His most famous product, Dressel, is a sprinter, and that makes Calanog a good fit for the Aggies. His predecessors, Ryan Mallam and before that Doug Boyd, worked primarily with the sprint groups at A&M, and these sprint groups, along with divers, are where the program has made its biggest national impact.
Calanog’s list of appointments is extensive; that’s a list that more recently includes a spot on the staff at the USA Swimming Junior National Team Camp in Colorado Springs; and as the head coach for the USA Swimming Diversity Camp – West last summer.
The Texas A&M men finished 8th at the 2015 SEC Championships, and 38th at the NCAA Championships. Senior-to-be Cory Bolleter scored all 4.5 of their points by tying for 12th place in the 50 free.
Calanog takes over the roll vacated when former assistant Mallam left to join Bob Bowman’s staff at Arizona State.
So happy seeing Coach Jason moving up to his next chapter. My kids swam for coach Jason at Bolles Sharks Late Night group.
I can’t be more happy for Coach Jason. He is such a hard working coach and very intelligent at what he knows with swimming. I know he will be amazing. He is someone who very easy to relate to and talk to. I love you Jason!!
Congrats Jason!
way to go Jason and to think it all started at our alma mater WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY not University of West Virginia.
Congrats coach!
Such great news. Finally a chance to show how talented you are Jason!
WOW – Great pick up for the Aggies.
Congratulations Jason! Very excited for you to be (back) in the college ranks!