The worst-kept secret in swimming is out. Auburn's David Marsh is resigning from his current position at the conclusion of the 2006-07 season to accept a position with the Mecklenburg Aquatic Club which established the United States Olympic Committee Center of Excellence, in Charlotte, N.C., announced Athletics Director Jay Jacobs. In his new role, Marsh will serve as the Head Elite Coach and CEO of the program, directing the development of future United States' Olympic swimmers. MAC is one of several proposed regional training centers. Other potential sites are at the University of Texas, University of Michigan and Mission Viejo.

Last week Marsh downplayed reports that he was leaving for MAC, saying, "It is true that I have another offer with a private swimming club and that I have been advising the club about hiring personnel, but that is all that it is at this time," He played coy however adding that he could not promise that he would return for the 2007-2008 season.

"This is a unique, first-ever position that was created by the United States Olympic Committee, USA Swimming and the Mecklenburg Aquatic Club and is a outstanding opportunity for me to assist in the development of future American Olympians," Marsh said. "I am an Auburn man and it will be extremely difficult to leave the department, university and community, however, I feel this decision was made at this time in the best interest of my family as well as my career. Jay Jacobs has the department headed in the right direction and is committed to maintaining the level of excellence of the swimming and diving program. I will cherish this season as we compete for two more National Championships in 2007."

In 16 seasons at Auburn, Marsh has guided the program to six men's and four women's NCAA crowns and a combined 15 Southeastern Conference titles. The men won national crowns in 1997, 1999, 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006, while the women captured titles in 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2006.

"David Marsh has established a tradition of excellence at Auburn that is unparalleled," Auburn Athletics Director Jay Jacobs said. "Under his leadership, the Auburn swimming and diving programs have become the standard by which others across the country are measured. He is a true Auburn man, and we deeply appreciate his service to the university and the Auburn community."

"We have done everything possible to keep Coach Marsh at Auburn, but he has been given an opportunity to pursue a dream of helping develop America's Olympic hopefuls. We are saddened to see Coach Marsh go, but we realize this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

Several Auburn swimmers commented on the move. About Marsh, Senior Co-captain John Scott said Marsh, "Has been instrumental in building this program to the level it is today and he will be greatly missed, but I am confident that Auburn will continue the success that David has built and look forward to this program winning numerous championships in the future. As a senior I hope to instill in our underclassmen the importance of continuing the winning traditions that we have established over the past 10 years.”

The move will take Marsh away from the rigors of collegiate recruiting, and enable him to spend more time with his family. Senior Co-captain James Wike echoed these sentiments, "We hate to see Coach Marsh leave, but know this is a great opportunity for he and his family. We as a team hope to make this a very memorable year for Coach Marsh. I look forward to working with David as he helps put our team in position to win the national title in March. We want to try to make sure David gets the sendoff he deserves and goes out on top.”

Senior Bryan Lundquist added, "Over the past three years with the help of Coach Marsh I have made tremendous strides in the pool. Recently I was named to the 2007 U.S. World University Games roster and I have to thank David for his commitment to me and my teammates. David has trained some of the best swimmers in the world and he is deserving of this opportunity that has been presented to him."

Senior Hayley Peirsol, herself a regular on the national team also noted, "Having competed on the international circuit and with USA Swimming, I know the prestige of the position that has been created for David. It is an honor for him to be selected for this and I am happy that he will be able to continue his goal of training the best American swimmers.”

Jacobs also announced that six-time Olympic coach Richard Quick will serve as an advisor to the program. Quick, who was the men's and women's head coach at Auburn from 1978-82, has won a total of 12 NCAA team titles during his 28-year collegiate coaching career, the most in the history of Division I coaching. Quick most recently coached the Stanford women for 17 years.

"We are ecstatic that Richard Quick is coming on board. His assistance will be invaluable," Jacobs said. "Coach Marsh set the bar high for our program, and we are doing everything we can to keep it there. We are committed to maintaining that tradition of excellence, as evidenced by our decision to move forward with plans to build a world-class outdoor training pool. This project will ensure that our program remains competitive at the highest level."

In keeping with the Stanford-Auburn ties, Marsh had spoken with Cardinal officials following Quick's resignation following the 2005 season. Shortly after the west coast meetings, Auburn gave the greenlight to a new 50-meter outdoor training facility. Counsilman Hunsaker and Associates, underwriter of the National Collegiate Swimmer-of-the-Week honors, is serving as project managers for the facility.

Since Marsh took over the Auburn program, the Plains have been home to 22 Olympians, who captured seven medals.

Over the course of his 16-year coaching career, Marsh has been named National Coach of the Year a total of eight times and the SEC Coach of the Year 13 times. For his outstanding work with the men's and women's squads, Marsh was named the 2003 National Collegiate and Scholastic Swimming Trophy recipient. It was the second time in his career that he was so honored, also garnering the distinguished award in 1999. Marsh is the first to ever receive this prestigious award more than once.

In the classroom, 198 Marsh-coached swimmers at Auburn (99 men, 99 women) have been chosen to the SEC Academic Honor Roll and 43 have been named Academic All-Americans. In addition, 24 combined men and women's teams have been named CSCAA Academic All-American.

A five-time All-American backstroker at Auburn, Marsh was the 1980 SEC backstroke champion and was ranked sixth in the world at the time. March earned a degree in Business Administration from Auburn in 1981.