Lenoir-Rhyne Hires Sean Weddell as Head Coach

Photo Courtesy: Taylor Brien

Lenoir-Rhyne Hires Sean Weddell as Head Coach

Lenoir-Rhyne has hired Sean Weddell as the head coach of its men’s and women’s swimming program, just the second in program history.

Weddell replaces Paul Schiffel, who retired at season’s end. He had been at the helm of the Bears women’s team since 2007 and the men’s team since its inception in 2010.

Weddell comes to the Division II program after eight years of head coaching experience, most recently for the last five seasons leading the men’s and women’s squads at Lees-McRae College.

“I am absolutely thrilled and deeply honored to accept the role of head swim coach at Lenoir-Rhyne University,” Weddell said in a university statement. “My heartfelt gratitude goes out to President Whitt, Vice President for Athletics Kim Pate, and the entire screening committee for entrusting me with this incredible opportunity. Witnessing firsthand Lenoir-Rhyne University’s unwavering dedication to its student-athletes and community has been truly inspiring.”

Weddell launched the men’s program at Limestone University. He spent two seasons there, including as the head coach of the women’s program, which had its first Division II All-American in program history. Weddell was also the head coach at the men’s and women’s program at Louisiana-Monroe.

Weddell spent five seasons as an assistant coach in Division I. He spent two seasons with the men’s team at Southern Illinois, one with the women at the University of Akron. He began his coaching career at Indiana River Community College, the powerhouse where he spent two seasons before transferring to the University of Kentucky.

“We have hired the perfect person to build on the strong foundation laid by Coach Paul Schiffel, who will inspire a bold and exciting vision for the future of our swimming programs,” LR vice president for athletics Kim Pate said. “I’m excited to welcome Sean and his wife, Mellissa, to our LR Family. Coach Weddell brings a high level of coaching background, familiarity with our conference and region, and a genuine passion to develop student-athletes both in and out of the pool.”

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