INDIANA, Pa. – IUP head men’s and women’s swimming coach Chris Villa has announced the hiring of Adam Stoner as the programs’ assistant coach. Stoner brings six years of collegiate coaching experience to the Crimson Hawks, including the last two seasons at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth.
While at TCU, Stoner was responsible for coaching the sprinters and was also the program’s director of operations. During the 2013-14 and the 2014-15 seasons, Stoner coached numerous men’s and women’s All-Big 12 first and second team honorees, as well as several record breaking performances.
“I am very excited to join the IUP swimming staff and work with Coach Villa,” said Stoner. “IUP has a strong program and I look forward to being part of this tradition.”
Stoner is making a return to his home state of Pennsylvania, as he was a four-year student assistant coach at Lock Haven prior to his time at TCU. While with the Bald Eagles, Stoner helped mentor seven-time All-American Brittany Rehrig, one of the most successful swimmers in program history, while also helping the women’s team to a No. 21 national ranking during the 2012-13 season.
Stoner also has four years of experience as an assistant coach for Tennessee Swimming Camps and spent summers as the Waterfront Director of Brant Lake Camp in Brant Lake, N.Y.
A four-year letterwinner at Big Spring High School in Newville, Pa., Stoner served as team captain as a senior in 2008-09.
A native of Walnut Bottom, Pa., Stoner earned his master’s in liberal arts at TCU.
Also joining Villa’s staff as a graduate student assistant is Matt Rochna, who is currently pursuing his master’s in sports science.
Prior to IUP, Rochna spent the last four seasons as a member of the St. Bonaventure men’s swimming and diving team. He was a key part of Atlantic 10 Conference championship teams in 2013 and 2014, while also helping the Bonnies to second place finishes in 2012 and 2015.
Rochna earned his bachelor’s degree in sports studies with a concentration in human development and learning at St. Bonaventure.
A native of Indiana, Pa., Rochna graduated from Indiana Area Senior High School in 2011 and holds both high school and collegiate records. He received several medals in his junior and senior year at IHS in the PIAA State Championships.
Rochna also has experience as a volunteer coach of the Indiana County YMCA Piranhas and worked with post-high school swimmers as a private technique instructor.
Swimming news courtesy of IUP Swimming.
