Keene State College Director of Athletics and Recreation Dr. Kristene Kelly has announced that Chris Woolridge '04 will be the permanent head coach of the Owls swimming and diving teams.
"We are excited to announce Chris Woolridge as the next head coach of the Keene State College swimming and diving programs," said Kelly. "His experience as the interim head coach, resulting in several personal bests and both teams averaging over a 3.0 grade point average, demonstrates his ability to lead a successful program. We are excited about the future of the Owls swimming and diving programs under Chris's tutelage."
Woolridge spent the 2015-16 year as the interim coach of both the men's and women's squads. During that time, he led the KSC women's team to their 10th straight Little East Conference title, while the men's team finished 13th at the NCAA Division III Championships, the second highest finish in school history.
"I would like to thank President Anne Huot, Athletic Director Kristene Kelly, the search committee, and the faculty, staff and students involved in the interview process," said Woolridge. "I am excited for the opportunity, and I am looking forward to building on the success that the program has had over the past 10 years."
Last season, the Owls combined for an 11-3 record in dual meets between the two teams, setting 17 school records in the process. Woolridge mentored Alison Bartlett to All-American honors in the 50 freestyle, and an honorable mention All-American in the 100 freestyle at the NCAA Championships. Despite being the lone female representative from KSC, Bartlett boosted the Owls to a 35th place team finish.
On the men's side, Ryan Boraski finished third at the NCAA meet in the 100 free, and was eighth in the 200 free. Boraski would go on to become the first swimming from Keene State to qualify for the Olympic trials this past summer, one of just six Division III swimmers to do so. Keene State also added All-America honors in the 200 free relay, which was the highest scoring relay in school history, and the 400 free relay.
From 2009-12, Woolridge was coach of the Exeter Swim Team Club in Exeter, N.H. He also served as Associate head coach from 2006-09 at Keene State before leaving to become the head age group coach at the Ridgefield Aquatic Club in Ridgefield, Conn.
Woolridge graduated from KSC in 2004 with a degree in management.
