Norwich University Director of Athletics Tony Mariano announced on Wednesday that Andrew Bretscher has been tabbed as the new men's and women's swimming and diving head coach.
Bretscher comes to Norwich following a three-year stint as a graduate assistant at Frostburg State in Maryland while also working on his master's degree in Wildlife Biology. He succeeds Laura Dunn who served as the head swimming and diving coach for the last six seasons.
"I'm very excited to take over the head coaching position at Norwich," Bretscher said. "Norwich has a beautiful campus in the great state of Vermont. The swimming program has had a history of producing great athletes and I'm looking forward to continuing that tradition. Norwich provides great support for athletics and has outstanding facilities. I'm excited to bring my skills and expertise to the Norwich student-athletes both in the classroom and on the pool deck."
In his first two seasons at Frostburg, Bretscher helped both programs to seventh and sixth-place finishes at the Capital Athletic Conference Championships, while the women's 200-yard medley relay team (1:57.12) broke the oldest school record in the process in 2013.
This past season, the men's and women's squads both produced their highest point totals since joining the CAC. The same women's 200-yard medley relay team quartet broke its own record again this past February with a 1:55.16 to place fourth. Bretscher helped guide the FSU women to seven wins, while both the men's and women's squads earned sixth place at the CAC Championships. Frostburg capped the 2013-14 season with a representative from both the men's and women's teams qualifying for the ECAC Championships for the first time in over five years. During Bretscher's tenure, the women's team has established three new varsity records.
Bretscher graduated from The Ohio State University in June 2010 with a bachelor's degree in Parks, Recreation and Tourism. As a member of the varsity swim team, Bretscher earned NCAA All-American honors three times and was named an All-Big Ten Second Team honoree. At one time, he held OSU school records in the 100 butterfly, 200 medley relay and 200 freestyle relay. He also qualified to compete in the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials in the 100 butterfly.
Prior to Ohio State, Bretscher was a member of the 2007 Auburn University National Champion squad as a freshman.
"I am extremely pleased to have Andrew Bretscher as a new member of our coaching staff," said NU Director of Athletics Tony Mariano. "He brings a wealth of experience as a Division I swimmer and as an outstanding Division III assistant coach. He understands the true meaning of a student-athlete and values the importance of providing his swimmers the opportunity to achieve success in the classroom and in the pool. I am excited for our athletes and for the future of our swim program."
Bretscher is also one of only six recipients nationwide of the prestigious Jean Freeman Scholarship, which is given annually to a male and a female assistant coach in each NCAA division whose exceptional contributions have brought recognition to their college or university, and whose leadership, integrity, honesty, competitive attitude and personal graciousness epitomizes those characteristics reflected by Jean Freeman.
The scholarship provides each of the six selected assistant coaches with the convention fee, transportation and lodging to the annual CSCAA Convention and Clinic held this year in Las Vegas, Nev.
The Norwich University men's swimming and diving program is coming off winning its third GNAC Invitational title in December. The Cadet men also placed third at the New England Intercollegiate Swimming and Diving Association (NEISDA) Championships in February for the second straight season. The NU women placed seventh at the GNAC Championship meet.
