Pat Hogan To Head Up Club Development at USA Swimming

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Nov. 4. USA Swimming announced today the hiring of Pat Hogan to head up the newly-formed Club Development Division at its
headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colo., and the promotion of Mike Unger to the post of Chief Operating Officer. The two men will begin their duties in January.

"It was an easy decision to make because I'm really excited about the direction USA Swimming is taking with a greater focus on servicing club programs," said Hogan. " We can do a lot for grassroots swimming by
developing services and programs targeted at our clubs and coaches. I'm really excited about the position and the challenge it presents.

"I always cringe when I hear people ask 'What does USA Swimming do for me?' My goal is to change the minds of anybody who thinks that way. I want people to recognize the advantages and really value their membership."

Hogan comes to USA Swimming after nine years at the Mecklenburg Aquatic Club as its head coach and executive director. He began his coaching career in
1973, including stints at the Dallas Swim Club, Fort Worth Swim Club, Cincinnati Pepsi Marlins, Dynamo Swim Club and Trinity Aquatic Team. Hogan took MAC from 280 swimmers training at one facility with a budget of
$600,000 in October of 1993 to more than 530 swimmers training at four facilities with a budget of $1.8 million today.

"I've been at Mecklenburg for almost 10 years and I have a lot of fond memories that make it hard to leave," said Hogan. "It is the people that make this organization particularly special and who will sustain MAC's long-term success."

"Pat Hogan is one of our sport's most respected coaches and dedicated volunteers," said Chuck Wielgus, USA Swimming Executive Director. "Pat will lead the strategic planning effort to find ways for USA Swimming to better serve our member clubs; and, then he will direct the implementation of that strategy. I can think of no other person better suited to take on this challenge."

Hogan's appointment was praised by John Leonazrd, executive director of the American Swimming Coaches Association (ASCA): "Pat Hogan is one of the most distinguished Coach leaders in the USA. As a past ASCA President and member of the Board of Directors of
USA-Swimming, he brings built-in leadership to his new position and his coaching expertise and business acumen will provide instant credibitility with coaches of clubs at every level.

"Pat can help you build your club whether you are a national championship team, or a brand new swimming club. Congratulations to USA-S Executive Director Chuck Wielgus on a great hire."

According to Mary Wagner, Communications Director for USA Swimming, Hogan's hiring is part of a restructuring at Uhe organization's headquarters designed to reflect its service-oriented approach to meeting the needs of its more than 2,800 clubs. As part of this effort, Mike Unger, the division director of the now defunct Sport Development Division, has been named Chief Operating Officer.

Unger will oversee the newly-formed Business Operations & Member Services Division, which includes member services, information technology, performance database and human resources. He will also serve in a special projects capacity, working directly with the executive director on activities such as international relations, USOC relations, television negotiations and site selection for USA Swimming events.

"The creation of our Club Development Division underscores the seriousness of our commitment to better serve our member clubs," said Wielgus. "Our
other organizational changes are modest, but they will enhance the alignment of our headquarter structure against our business game plan."

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