Milwaukee's loss is Whitewater's gain. Two weeks after being passed over by the Panther's, former UWM assistant and 1993 alum Joel Rollings has landed on his feet at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

"Joel brings a wealth of coaching experience that will aid our student athletes immensely," UW-W director of athletics Dr. Paul Plinske said. "What intrigues me most about Joel is his passion for the student athlete, his level of integrity, and his understanding of building a successful program."

Rollings most recently served as the interim assistant swim coach at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee last fall. Prior to that he was the head coach for the Germantown (WI) Swim Club for four years. From 1998-2000 Rollings was the head age group coach for the highly respected Phillips 66 Splash Club in Oklahoma (1996-98), preceded by a stint as a graduate assistant coach for Texas Christian University (1996-98). His first coaching job, from 1992-96, was as the head boy's and girl's coach at Grafton (WI) High School.

Rollings swam for UW-Milwaukee (1991-93), and graduated from UW-M in 1994 with a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology. While in school he also played fro the Milwaukee Water Polo Club. He received a master's in liberal arts from Texas Christian in 1998.

Rollings is the coaches representative for Wisconsin Master's Swimming, and the Senior Chair for Wisconsin Swimming. He has also served as a USA Swimming Zone Site Selection Committee member, and has attended several age group conferences and workshops. He has certifications in Red Cross First Aid, Red Cross CPR, use of an automated external defibrillator, lifeguard training, coaches safety training, and a holds a certified pool operator's license.

Rollings takes over for Debbie Thompson, who left in June to take a position in Indiana.

"Debbie Thompson was a highly-regarded professional on our campus and in the swimming community," Plinske noted. "It was very important for me to build on her establishment with someone of Joel's caliber. We are very excited to move this program forward with Joel Rollings as our next head swimming and diving coach."