With Oklahoma Baptist leaving the NAIA for Division II, the Savannah College of Art & Design was one step closer to a national title. The women's team has finished as National Runners-Up for the past three seasons, while the men finished third in back-to-back years. The Bees will still be pursuing the title, but without Chris Conlon as head coach. Conlon resigned to become the Director of Athletics at St. Anne's School of Annapolis.
"I am extremely appreciative to SCAD and all of our swimmers for the past five wonderful years here in the Hive. I am extremely proud of the growth of the team and for all of the swimmers' accomplishments in the pool, classroom, and service to others," said Conlon. "I have been so fortunate to work with the some of the finest coaches and athletes in the country. The leadership at SCAD has been very supportive of the swimming program and I am confident that the team will continue to improve. I am going to miss each and every swimmer, recruit, parent, and alumni I have made contact with here as a part of the swimming program. I want the best for all of the swimmers and the team and I look forward to staying in touch with the program and cheering on the continuing excellence of the swimming Bees!"
Conlon spent five season as the head coach of the men's and women's swim teams and guided the Bees to top five finishes at the NAIA National Championship in each season. The women's team has finished as National Runners-Up for the past three seasons, while the men finished third in back-to-back years. Prior to SCAD, Conlon was head coach at Case Western Reserve University.
"On behalf of SCAD and the SCAD athletic department I would like to thank Coach Conlon for his years of service," said athletic director Doug Wollenburg. "He has done a great job of continuing to build and grow the swimming program to a national contender every year."
During his tenure at SCAD, Conlon had 82 swimmers earn All-American honors, the Bees won 34 NAIA national event titles setting 17 national records and 67 varsity records in the process.
Conlon's teams have also excelled in the classroom as every one of his men's and women's teams has been honored by the College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) with Academic All-American team and individual awards. During the past five year's SCAD has had 40 swimmers earn CSCAA Scholar All-American honors.
For his success in 2012-13 Conlon was honored as the NAIA Men's "Coach of the Year." Conlon served on the NAIA swimming and diving executive committee for four years, including being President this past year. He also was the treasurer of the Bluegrass Mountain Conference.
