The most decorated female swimmer in North Central College history will assume a new role with the Cardinals - head coach, while conference rival Millikin welcomes an alum back as head coach.

Sixteen-time All-American and 1999 Division III National Champion, Maureen Szweda has been selected as head coach while 2002 Millikin grad, Paul Kueterman takes over the reins of the Big Blue.

Szweda takes over for Chris Colburn who had served as interim coach this past year, leading the Cardinal men to 22nd place finish at this year's NCAA Championships. Colburn took over following the sudden and tragic stroke suffered by longtime head coach Dennis Ryan (Related Story).

Szweda has previous coaching experience at the neighboring B.R. Ryall Swim Team and inherits a program with a rich history that includes four NAIA National Championships, 21 CCIW titles and two Olympians. She will have her hands full returning the team to glory as it graduated five seniors this past year.

Other cantidates rumored to have interviewed for the position included Colburn and former Toledo head coach Brian Sharar.

Kueterman replaces Frank Sampson who coached the Big Blue for the last three seasons.

In addition to coaching, Kueterman will also teach in the University’s Exercise Science & Sport department.

A 2002 graduate, Kueterman was a four-year letter winner in swimming at Millikin, serving as the team captain during his senior season. For the past two years, Kueterman has served as the assistant men's and women's swimming coach at the College of Wooster (Ohio), a successful NCAA Division III program.

"We are so excited to welcome Paul Kueterman as the Head Men's and Women's Swimming Coach. As an alum, former captain and outstanding student-athlete, Paul has a great passion for Big Blue Swimming,” athletic director Lori Kerans said. “His experience in recruiting and coaching college student-athletes for an outstanding Division III swimming program will serve him well as he embarks on his first head coaching experience. Paul's vision and enthusiasm for the Big Blue Swimming program is exciting."

Kueterman returns with a bit more in the vault than North Central, including four-time All-American Tom Sur.

The hirings leave just one spot unfilled in the CCIW. Augustana College is currently searching for a head coach. Carthage College, Wheaton College, and Illinois Wesleyan make up the remaining members.