Swimcloud

Witt Selects Buffalo's Bernhardt

Wittenberg University has selected Will Bernhardt to take over for Natalie Kouklis.  Bernhart just wrapped up his fifth season at Buffalo. He takes over a team that finished sixth-place in the NCAC, arguably the strongest conference in Division III.

Bernhardt expressed appreciation of his new position.  "It is an honor and privilege and I am thankful to [Director of Athletics and Recreation] Gary Williams and [Associate Director of Athletics/SWA] Sarah Jurewicz for the opportunity to take the program to new heights."

"It was very clear that the people are truly special at Witt. From the leadership team to the student-athletes, I felt a special connection with each and every person I met. That connection will help our program grow and prosper not only in the conference but nationally! I am incredibly excited to help our student-athletes realize their dreams and accomplish all the academic and athletics goals they have set for themselves and the team."

"I am incredibly excited to help our student-athletes realize their dreams and accomplish all the academic and athletics goals they have set for themselves and the team."

At Buffalo Bernhardt helped develop one Honorable Mention All-American, and fifty three Mid-American Conference Champions.  Bernhardt's swimmers helped set 13 MAC and 46 Buffalo records and achieved 80 NCAA Consideration times. 

Away from the pool deck, Bernhardt was instrumental in the Bulls' success in recruiting and alumni relations, skills that will be vital in a state saturated with collegiate programs.

"In the few short weeks since my hire I have heard from several alumni who are excited for what the future holds. I am eager to meet and work with as many of the alumni as possible to help connect the former and the future of our great program!"

The move brings Bernhardt closer to home.  He came to Buffalo after a successful stint with the South Bend, IN based Irish Aquatics Swim Club since 2005. Bernhardt produced three national and 10 junior national qualifiers. Within the state of Indiana, he coached four senior state champions, 24 age group state champions and a total of 32 high school state finalists. He also served on the Indiana Swimming Board of Directors and was a state and region coaches representative.

Bernhardt has college experience as well working as a volunteer assistant with the Notre Dame women’s program from 2009 and Northwestern University’s men’s and women’s teams from 2003-2005. While with the Fighting Irish, he helped produce four NCAA qualifiers, 14 Big East champions, four Big East Championship records, 10 school records and the 2010 Big East Swimmer of the Year, Samantha Maxwell. With the Wildcats, he helped produce an NCAA national champion, 15 NCAA qualifiers, 36 NCAA All-Americans, 12 Big Ten champions, 10 Big Ten records and 13 school records. While in Evanston, he was also the head coach and CEO for the NASA/Wildcat Aquatics club program.

Bernhardt is a 2002 graduate of Indiana University with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology. As a member of the Hoosier swim team, he was a Big Ten Championship finalist in 100- and 200-yard backstrokes in 2000 and 2001 and a 2000 U.S. Olympic Trials qualifier in both events as a well as a Spring Nationals finalist in both events in 2001.

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