Oakland University’s athletic department will honor one of the people instrumental in guiding it from its infancy to national prominence when it dedicates the Corey Van Fleet Hall of Swimming and Diving History September 29th at noon as part of the annual swimming and diving Alumni Weekend.  Van Fleet’s career at Oakland spanned 17 years as both a coach and an administrator.

 

“The tradition established by swimming and diving at OU is attributed to Corey.  The excellence the teams have sustained for decades can be traced to his passion for athletics and Oakland University that began in the 1960s.  It will truly be an honor for us to have Corey and his wife, Mary, on campus for this event.  I hope to see many alumni and friends here to enjoy this special day,” Interim Athletic Director Tracy Huth said.

 

“We’re excited not only to have an area that pays tribute to our swimming and diving history, but also to Corey’s legacy,” Huth added.

 

Van Fleet was hired by Hollie Lepley as Oakland’s first head swimming coach in 1965.  During his tenure at the helm of the program, Van Fleet built the swim team into a national Division II powerhouse, culminating with a second-place finish at the NCAA Championships in 1979, his final season as coach.

 

In 1972 Van Fleet was appointed the Athletic Director, a position he held until 1982.  While serving as the AD, Van Fleet built Oakland into one of the finest intercollegiate athletics programs in the country.

 

“I think it’s a tribute that’s long overdue and I’m excited that Tracy and I are in a position to honor him this way,” head coach Pete Hovland said.  “It’s an opportunity for the athletic department and the varsity swimming and diving programs to bridge the past with the present and honor the legacy that Corey has left at Oakland. 

 

“I have a debt to Corey as well, as he gave me my first full-time job,” Hovland added with a smile.

 

Following the dedication, the annual Alumni vs. Varsity swimming and diving meet will take place at 1:00 p.m.