Mount St. Mary's University is adding women's swimming to its intercollegiate athletic offerings.

Beginning this fall, the Mountaineers will compete in the Northeast Conference (NEC), which includes members Central Connecticut State, Sacred Heart, St. Francis (NY), St. Francis (PA) and Wagner; along with associate members Campbell, Florida A&M, Gardner-Webb, Georgetown, Georgia Southern, Howard, North Carolina A&T and Radford.

The Mount will participate in a full schedule of 10 dual meet/invitational contests, as well as the NEC Championships. Diving will not be offered.

"We've considered the expansion of athletic offerings for some time and the addition of women's swimming is an excellent way to offer additional opportunities for our current students, as well as attract new students," said University President Thomas H. Powell. "Our athletic facilities can easily accommodate a Division 1 swimming program and I look forward to a competitive schedule in the true spirit of intercollegiate competition."

The search for a head coach to build the program has begun, and, other then the purchase of starting blocks, bleachers and a timing system, the pool facility at the Mount's Knott Athletic Recreation Convocation Complex (ARCC) is ready to go.

"A recent survey indicated swimming was the number one sport women wanted to see offered at the Mount," said Harold "Chappy" Menninger, executive director of intercollegiate athletics. The program will be supported by the availability of two full scholarships. Menninger hopes to have at least 11 participants beginning this fall.

"The mid-Atlantic region has a rich tradition in swimming and the Mount should be very competitive in attracting Division I-caliber recruits to campus," Menninger said.