Kyle Dunaway was announced as the new director of operations for Ohio State’s aquatics programs on Thursday. He most recently served as an Assistant Athletic Director at Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky.
“Kyle made it clear from the beginning that he wants to be a Buckeye,” director of swimming and diving Bill Dorenkott said. “His skill set matches perfectly with our needs of the newly formed Director of Operations position in the Aquatic Sports at Ohio State. Kyle’s experiences as a student-athlete, coach and administrator will benefit all of the people he connects with at McCorkle.”
Dunaway will be lending his assistance to Ohio State’s aquatics programs in several areas, including marketing, camps, and the operations of its indoor facilities. He has worked in a university setting since 2006, including a stint as Transylvania’s head swimming and diving coach from 2010-14.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to establish the Director of Operations position for Ohio State Swimming and Diving and Synchronized Swimming, working with Coach Dorenkott and Coach Vargo-Brown and their respective staff members,” Dunaway said of his new position. “I am both excited and honored to represent this institution and the history of these programs, and will look to assist however possible as we continue provide a first class experience for our student-athletes. I look forward to working with our alumni, friends of the institution and program, and the local youth through our outstanding camp programs to continue to grow the sport of swimming and diving in our neighboring communities.”
While serving as the head coach at Transylvania, Dunaway helped his student-athletes break 34 school records and was named the Women’s Coach of the Year in the Ohio Athletic Conference in 2014. That season his swimmers won six individual conference championships, set four OAC records, and has 27 all-conference performances.
In 2013 he was named an Assistant Athletic Director, a position that called for the organization of marketing efforts for all 26 programs. He also oversaw women’s golf, cheer and dance, and equestrian, which entailed budgetary oversight and coaching staff supervision. His experience as a facility supervisor and youth camp program facilitator will certainly come into play with his new position with the Buckeyes. In July 2013 he was an Essential Piece Award recipient, which he received for outstanding service to and on behalf of the university. He was the only member of athletic department staff to receive award since award was initiated in 2011.
“Kyle is a great fit for this position,” said Holly Vargo-Brown, head coach for Ohio State synchronized swimming. “His energy is infectious and his commitment to working hard for all of our varsity aquatic programs at The Ohio State University is evident. Our staff is looking forward to welcoming him on board.”
Prior to his time at Transylvania, Dunaway also made stops at DePauw University and Wabash College, where he served as an assistant swimming coach. At DePauw he helped lead the team to a 13th place finish at NCAA Division III Championships in 2010 and a sixth consecutive Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference title, while also managing practice schedules and recruiting visits. While at Wabash his swimmers broke seven school records and earned three individual NCAA Division III Championship qualifications. Out of the pool he arranged travel arrangements for all student-athletes and coaches while also serving as the aquatics director for the college’s multi-million dollar swimming facility.
“Kyle’s vision for the future of our programs and his willingness to serve our valued Ohio State Athletic family makes him the ideal person for the job.” Dorenkott said.
A graduate of Wittenberg University, Dunaway was a two-time team captain and a letterwinner in each of his four years on the swim team. He was a five-time North Coast Athletic Conference semifinalist and was the 400 IM school record holder during his career. In 2003 he was selected to attend the NCAA’s Leadership conference, one of just 300 student-athletes nationwide to attend.
Press Release courtesy of Ohio State Athletics.
