Norwich University Director of Athletics Tony Mariano has announced the hiring of Jay Schotter as head coach and Cara Briggs as assistant coach of the men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams on Friday.
Schotter comes to Northfield after serving as the assistant swimming and diving coach at Bridgewater State University for four seasons from 2013-16. A 2013 graduate of Bridgewater State with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education/Recreation, Schotter completed his Masters of Science in Sports Leadership at Northeastern in 2016. As a swimmer at Bridgewater, Schotter served as the team captain for two seasons, as well as serving on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee for two years.
“What drew me to Norwich University was the opportunity to begin my head coaching career at the collegiate level,” Schotter said. “The fact that Norwich is located in New England also interested me due to the fact I can stay in my New England roots and be close to family. I was also drawn to Norwich’s commitment to excellence in the classroom and athletics as well as to continue the tradition of making future leaders of tomorrow. Having a brother in the Marine Corps was also a selling point to this University so I can serve those who have served us.”
Schotter takes the reins of the program after former head coach Andrew Bretscher departed for the same position at the Virginia Military Institute earlier this summer, but he plans to pick up right where the program left off in 2017.
“I would like continue the strength of Norwich University Swimming and Diving in the GNAC and as well as NESIDA,” he said. “In terms of women’s team I want to continue to rise and grow the program and potentially have an NCAA qualifier. I think Norwich can produce NCAA qualifiers and hopefully contend for a national championship. I think a top-five finish at New England’s this year would be a great start, but I really want to get our athletes to the national level.”
Schotter will also serve as the aquatic director for Goodyear Pool.
Briggs arrives on The Hill after serving as the assistant men’s swim coach at Munster High School in Munster, Indiana for five years from 2012-2016. Cara is a 2011 graduate of Wright State University where she received an athletic scholarship for swimming. She completed her Master of Arts degree in Education and Counseling from Purdue University in 2015. At Wright State Briggs posted a runner-up finish in the 1,650 meter freestyle in the 2008 Horizon League Championships, qualifying for nine championship races across her career.
“I would like to thank the hiring committee and the athletic department for my new appointment as men’s and women’s assistant swimming and diving coach,” Briggs said, “I am excited to begin this new adventure and embark on a new journey with all of the student athletes on the swim team.”
Along with her assistant coach title Briggs will be tasked as the Goodyear Pool manager.
Bethany Scalzo returns for her fourth season as the diving coach to round out the Norwich University coaching staff.
Norwich opens the 2017-18 season on Saturday, October 28th hosting Colby-Sawyer College in a dual meet at Goodyear Pool. That meet is set for 1:00 p.m.
Press Release couresy of Norwich Athletics.
