Chad Onken Promoted to Head Coach/Director of Competitive Swimming at YMCA of the Triangle

RALEIGH, North Carolina, September 11. CHAD Onken has been named the new Head Coach/Director of Competitive Swimming at the YMCA of the Triangle Area Swim Team in Raleigh, N.C. effective August 31.

After serving 3 years as its Assistant Director, Onken was promoted to his new position in preparation for the upcoming 2009-2010 swimming season.

"I am honored and humbled for the opportunity to lead the YOTA family," said Onken. "I sincerely believe that the YOTA Swim Team is one of the best, if not THE best, YMCA club teams in the country and I'm excited to get the season underway."

"Chad has implemented innovative training techniques and developed administrative strategies that have made our swim teams among the best in the nation," said George Allen, YMCA Executive Leader. "With Chad's leadership, young adults have learned skills that have led to success both in and out of the pool. We are excited to have him lead the YOTA Swim Team."

Primarily known for the discovery and development of world record holder, NCAA Champion, and 2008 US Olympic Gold Medalist Cullen Jones, Chad has over a decade of successful coaching experience throughout all levels of competitive swimming. Chad is also a four-time recipient of the American Swim Coaches Association "Award for Coaching Excellence."

During his first three years with the YOTA Swim Team, Chad's swimmers were extremely successful in the pool, breaking several North Carolina state records, recording multiple USA Swimming Junior and Senior National time standards, breaking dozens of YOTA team records, and garnering almost 50 National Age Group Top 16 times.

Furthermore, he has been the coach responsible for YOTA's sole Olympic Trial and World Championship Trial qualifier. Chad's athletes have garnered several Top 16 rankings, including a number of #1 finishes. The most notable athlete under Chad's tutelage, Dominick Glavich was recently named to the USA National Youth Team that will take part in the 2009 World Cup in Europe.

Chad's success has been recognized by USA Swimming, as he was selected to be a part of the 2009 National Select Camp coaching staff. Chad came to Raleigh after successful stints in the collegiate coaching realm at both NC State University and Auburn University.

While at NC State, Chad was the primary coach responsible for developing several top athletes, including Cullen Jones. He was accountable for a number of ACC Champions, All-Americans, and NCSU school record-holders. After five years at NCSU, Coach Onken became the Assistant Swimming Coach at powerhouse Auburn University under Head Coach David Marsh. During his stint with the Tigers, Onken helped the team capture both the men's and women's 2006 NCAA team championship titles.

In addition to various administrative and recruiting duties, Chad helped coach 7 NCAA Champions, 34 NCAA All-Americans, 13 SEC Champions and 13 Auburn school record-holders.

"I have known and worked with Chad Onken and trust and respect his ability to develop swimmers at all levels. YOTA is blessed to have him at the helm. I trust that he will continue to produce at the highest level in his new role" said David Marsh, Head Coach/CEO of SwimMac Carolina and former Head Coach of Auburn University.

Chad lives in Carrboro, NC with his wife of one year, the former Lauren Romano.

The above article is a press release submitted to Swimming World Magazine. It has been posted in its entirety without editing. Swimming World offers all outlets the chance to reach our audience by contacting us at Newsmaster@swimmingworldmagazine.com. However, Swimming World reserves the right to choose what material is posted.

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