Chowan University announced in early December that it will be adding a men’s swim team for the 2018-2019 season.
The school, located in Murfreesboro, North Carolina, began its women’s program in the 2016-2017 season, under head coach Matt Hood. Hood will also lead the men’s team, and was himself an NAIA National Champion in the 200 free and runner-up in the 500 free while he attended Asbury University.
“It [the addition] will add a new dynamic to the swim program, which will help everyone compete at a higher level,” Hood said. “It will bring a stronger energy and excitement to the competition environment at home and on the road. We will be following a similar plan as we did with the women’s program by bringing in a strong core group of swimmers who will be competitive from the beginning and ready to continue improving.”
The women’s team finished 11th at their inaugural Bluegrass Mountain Conference Championships in 2017. Beginning in 2018, the women’s team will compete at the combined Conference Carolinas and Bluegrass Mountain Conference Championships, where the addition of the men’s program in 2019 will allow men’s swimming to be designated an “emerging sport” within the conference.
Both teams are recruiting for the 2018-2019 season.
