ROBERTS NAMED HEAD COACH OF COLGATE’S SWIMMING & DIVING PROGRAMS

April 6, 2000
Contact: Angela Aja (315) 228-7860

HAMILTON, N.Y. -- William Roberts, an assistant coach at the United States Naval Academy, has been named head coach of Colgate University’s men’s and women’s swimming and diving programs.

Roberts, 31, becomes the seventh men’s coach and fourth women’s coach in the school’s history. He replaces Bob Benson who is retiring after 30 years at the helm.

Roberts brings an extensive background in swimming to the Red Raider program. For the past three years he has been with the Navy Midshipmen where he was involved with all aspects of the program.

“This is a great opportunity to coach at an outstanding university,” Roberts said. “My goals are to move up in the Patriot League standings quickly, and I look forward to a big year from all our returnees.”

“I am pleased that Bill will be leading our swim program into the future,” said Colgate Athletic Director Mark Murphy. “He has a great background, having worked at four different colleges, and should make a smooth transition to Colgate. It will be exciting to see what Bill will be able to accomplish over the next few years.”

Prior to his Navy stint, Roberts spent a year at Villanova University where he was an assistant coach for the Wildcats’ men’s program. He has been head coach of swimming and diving at Wells College (1992-94) and a graduate assistant at East Carolina University (1994-96). He also spent two summers as a coach/counselor at Stanford University’s swim camp.

Roberts, a native of Aurora, N.Y., received his bachelor’s degree in physical education from Springfield College in 1992, and his master’s degree in athletic administration from East Carolina in 1996.