Ray Anderson got his man.
A year after recruiting Olympic head wrestling coach Zeke Jones to Arizona State, the Sun Devils' Director of Athletics is expected to announce the hiring of Bob Bowman from the North Baltimore Aquatic Club. The hiring takes place after a quick and quiet search process that saw three cantidates interview. Each of the three, reportedly met only with Anderson during the interview process.
“Today marks a seminal moment in the Sun Devil Swimming program,” Anderson said. “Bob is an icon in this sport and one of the most respected coaches in the industry. Under Bob’s guidance we will compete for individual, conference and national titles, produce All-Americans and Olympians, and create the most expansive developmental swim program in all of collegiate sports. His experience at every level of competition will allow him to grow our swimming program into an elite team and an invaluable community asset.”
"I am very honored and excited to lead the Sun Devil Swimming program," said Bowman. "The leadership and vision of excellence established under Ray Anderson is impressive, and is matched by the enthusiasm and support of the entire Athletic Department. I look forward to returning to coach at the collegiate level and be part of the great community that Arizona State University has to offer. I am motivated by the opportunity to help develop student-athletes as individuals and I am confident that we can build a swimming program that will be a source of pride for all ASU students, faculty and alumni."
Bowman's hire signals a significant investment into Arizona State's beleagured program. The men's team was threatened with elimination just seven years ago, but the Sun Devil Swim Association has worked wor revive and fully-fund the team. Bowman's hiring goes beyond just the team itself. In an article in the Arizona Republic last week Anderson expressed a desire to develop the "most expansive learn-to-swim program in all of collegiate sports."the "most expansive learn-to-swim program in all of collegiate sports."
In the Republic article Anderson expresed a desire to serve the surrounding community. This is consistent with President Michael Crow's efforts to brand ASU as a "New American University." It also, however, means money. Last Fall members of the coaching staff and administration projected revenues for a swim school could exceed $500,000. If, as expected, Michael Phelps joins Bowman in Phoenix, his name and his "Michael Phelps Swim School" could dwarf that figure.
