The Catholic University of America announced Friday that Paul Waas, Jr., has accepted the position of head men's and women's swim coach.  Waas comes to CUA from Hamline University in Saint Paul, Minn., where he coached the Pipers for two seasons.

"We are delighted that Paul has accepted our offer to become part of the coaching staff at CUA," said Director of Athletics Dr. Michael Allen. "His experience working with two highly successful Division III swimming programs will be a great asset to our student-athletes and department.  He has a great energy for coaching and working with student-athletes.  We are excited for him to get started."

At Hamline, Waas led both the men's and women's squads to success for two seasons breaking over 10 school records along the way.  In his first year on campus, he helped produce a Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference champion on the women's side while the men had a swimmer named to the NCAA All-American squad.  In his second season, Waas had four of his athletes provisionally qualify for the NCAA Championship Meet.

Prior to Hamline, Waas was an assistant at SUNY-Oswego for four seasons where he spearheaded recruiting efforts and worked with the student-athletes.  During his tenure, the Lakers won two conference titles and were awarded 26 All-American honors.  While at Oswego, Waas also worked on the youth level running the Oswego Laker Swim Club and working at various camps in the area.

Waas graduated from Oswego with a bachelor's in communication studies.  While coaching, he also received his master's degree in adolescent education.  Swimming for the Lakers he was a two-year captain with numerous conference accolades and school records.

"I am very pleased to be joining Catholic University in this role," said Waas. "Everything I have seen, heard and experienced leads me to believe that this is an exciting time to be a Cardinal.  I look forward to working hard to lead the swim program towards its potential in the Landmark Conference and at the national level."

Waas will serve a dual role at Catholic University as the men's and women's swim coach as well as the aquatics director.  He will officially begin on May 26.